Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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The swingbridge across the Tutaekuri River at the Lawrence road-end

We’re walking backwards to Lotkow

July 3, 2013 by Ken Ross Leave a Comment

Lawrence to Lotkow, Kaweka FP, Wednesday July 3 2013, Map: BJ37

A late change in plan had us do this trip in reverse order from the planned outing. We started from the Lawrence Road end off the Taihape Road. It was a good idea, as it reduced the driving time and we had the downhill section on the way home. Ten of us set off from the Lawrence shelter, the new one that looks like a bus stop with a toilet attached. The weather was mild with high cloud, good for us but later views to the Kawekas made us glad we had again picked a sheltered trip for this time of the year.
The swingbridge across the Tutaekuri River at the Lawrence road-endOnce over the swing bridge, the track goes steadily up (although the net climb is only about 500 metres). It was in good condition generally, broad and open. There were many small hoofprints along the track and two Sika deer were spotted.

This is not a long trip and the main party of seven was at the Lotkow Road end well before lunch. After a brief look around, it was back down the track to find a good spot for lunch. No thought was given to taking the alternate route back as the track is overgrown and recent attempts to follow it have been unsuccessful.

The bush along this track is very distinctive with the canopy being kanuka without any of the normal forest trees protruding, nor are there any stumps indicating previous felling operations. The only big trees spotted were two at the north end of the swing bridge. The understorey was quite lush but seems to be limited in range. This area was apparently heavily grazed back in the early 1900s.

All trampers were back at the van by 3pm, giving time for coffee and a natter before heading home.

Trampers: Robyn Smith, Wai Anderson, Paul Exeter, Vic Bullock, Peter Slagter, Doug Mathieson, Colin McNatty, John Marshall, John Burrell and reporter Ken Ross

Filed Under: Recent trips

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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

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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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