Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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The panoramic views of the Kaweka Ranges

Kiwi Saddle on a glorious winter day

July 24, 2011 by Keith Moretta Leave a Comment

Kiwi Saddle Hut, Wednesday July 20 2011
Map: BJ37 Kuripapango

A group of 25 trampers arrived at the Lakes car park, Kuripapango at 9 am, on a beautiful clear and calm morning with lots of ground frost and fine ice crystals. Some morning mist blanketed the distant Kaweka valleys.

From the pine trees around the car park, the group ascended Kuripapango, the track often icy and carpeted with ice crystals in shaded areas. At the lower level, an assortment of pittosporums, kanuka, tree ferns and many forms of bracken and scrub grew. This gradually changed to mountain beech and pine remnants, as we neared the top of Kuripapango.

Descending to Kiwi SaddleAfter a short walk along the Smith-Russell track to Kiwi Saddle Hut, the group suddenly exited the beech trees, and we were treated to panaramic views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and the Kaimanawas, plus spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks of the Ruahines and Kairahahi. The track had some snow cover, and large patches of ice encouraged everyone to step carefully.

The panoramic views of the Kaweka RangesA 30-minute steep descent from the Cameron Hut/Kiwi Saddle Hut sign took us to lunchtime. Due to the cooler, tree-sheltered Kiwi Saddle Hut, we moved to a warmer, sunnier spot outdoors, overlooking a panoramic view of Ruapehu.

After lunch, the group retraced the route up the to the Smith-Russell track in sunny conditions. Here, the younger (and some older) members enjoyed snowball playtime, with observers having no immunity.

It was a day with many new to the tramping club and the stunning views, sunshine and calm conditions made the trip very enjoyable. After a rest stop below the Kuripapango aerial mast, the steep descent to the car park found many trampers quite weary and hoping they could still walk the following day…

Trampers: Kelvin Shaw, Peter Slagter, Murray White, Julia Mackie, Alison Greer, Paul Exeter, Vic Bullock, Robyn Smith, Les O’Shea, Ken Ross, John Marshall, Sue Martin, Anne Mahoney, Kate Millner, John Burrell, Rosemary Jeffery, Hillary Heath-Caldwell, Michael Ward, Patrick Ward, Murray Goss, Viv Bramley, Patrick Ward, Taylor Shakeshaft, Kaylem White Miller and Keith Moretta

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Napier-Tramping-Club/134791033250599?v=wall#!/pages/Napier-Tramping-Club/134791033250599?v=wall&closeTheater=1

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About us

We are a group of like-minded people who love the great outdoors. We tramp mostly in the Hawke’s Bay province, in remote areas such as the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges; but we also travel longer distances to new places, for longer walks.

The Napier Tramping Club was established in 1974 and has about 70 members. We belong to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Inc (FMC) and run Saturday, full-weekend and Wednesday tramps, every fortnight.

Interested in joining us?

Enjoy the great outdoors, keep fit and get to know others with similar interests.

More information

Latest news

August 2022 News

Ruahine User Group A meeting was held on Monday 25 July, in the NZDA rooms in Dannevirke.  Julia … Read More

July 2022 News

Ruahine User Group A meeting was held on Monday 25 July, in the NZDA rooms in Dannevirke.  Julia … Read More

Latest trip

Winter ills and chills begone! How we almost flew up to Sparrowhawk

Useful links

  • Dept of Conservation
  • DoC Huts Use, Kaweka Forest Park
  • Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ (FMC)
  • Heretaunga Tramping Club
  • New Zealand Tramper
  • NZ Walking Access Commission
  • Wanganui Tramping Club

Useful links 2

  • Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society
  • Weather forecast

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