A quick peek at Parks Peak

Parks Peak Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 16 August, 2017
Map: BK36
Banner pix: John, Robyn, John and John, on their way to Parks Peak. Picture by Bruce Hodgson

This trip was to have been to Poutaki Hut in the Wakarara Range. However, access to the conservation park from Wakarara road end has been denied.

Parks Peak in the Ruahine Range from Mangleton Rd was now our target. Thirteen of us took on the climb from Sentry Box, passing Rocky Knob to the junction at the top of the range near Pohautaha. The track up was hard going for most of us and particularly muddy after recent snow melt. At the exposed Rocky Knob, the wind was blustery and very cold. Layering up was necessary even though we were climbing through this section.

Five of us continued, passing the junction and over remnants of snow to Parks Peaks Hut for lunch. The temperature took a sudden drop and, on our way out, small frozen droplets blew off the trees, bouncing off our rain jackets in the blustery wind. The descent back was not as bad as it could have been. The wind, although cold, had dried the track out considerably and the slipping casualties were minimal.

This was a good winter 800m climb and a workout we all enjoyed.

Trampers: John B, John H, John B, Peter, Paul, Ted, Vic, Denise, Sue M, Dorothy, Colleen, Robyn and reporter Bruce Hodgson