Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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How we did the river crossing

August 15, 2018 by Jenny Burns Leave a Comment

Poutaki Hut, Wakarara Range, Wednesday 15 August 2018
Banner Pix: Crossing the Makaroro River

There were 11 in the van, and we started tramping at 08.45. There was a lot of water in the Makaroro River, and there was discussion on how we were going to cross. A couple decided to cross, and the ones with still dry feet watched.

Dot and I decided to try our luck slightly upstream, using a shingle bank about halfway across to regroup. This manoeuvre worked well, and the others followed in twos and threes. I had decided to keep dry tramping boots, so re-shod from sandals to my tramping boots.

Regrouping on the way uphill

Then it was a small uphill and a long walk along the shingle forestry roads. Some stopped to admire a small, very clear pond, and here we had morning tea. We kept on along the shingle road until we reached Leatherwood Road and turned right. After a few minutes, we finally saw a DoC sign, with Poutaki Hut access. The track initially was steep downhill, to a little stream. Then it was steeply uphill, with very little track signage. The terrain became rocky, and I struggled to find suitable footholds in the shale. This stretched for some distance and once or twice the trampers at the front waited for the rest to regroup.

The track continued uphill, sometimes quite steeply over rocky outcrops. There were some good views over the Makaroro River, and the pine pollen sweeping up in places. We carried on, and eventually came across the old trig, and a radio mast. We carried on down to the hut, which stands in a clearing. The sun was out, but it wasn’t giving any warmth, so lunch was eaten inside. We filled in the hut book and noted a photo of the previous hut that had burned down years ago.

Poutaki Hut in time for lunch

A quick, steep uphill back up to the trig reminded us of our lunch, and we forged on. I fell over, lightly twisting an ankle. Then it was down, down, down over the rocky escarpments and steep shale. I found this downhill somewhat difficult, as I fell over several more times.

A member of the party was delighted about halfway down and a whoop was heard; she had rediscovered her camera, lost earlier. Very lucky!

Tree sculpture

We regrouped at the end of the track to tackle the monotonous, boring forestry roads. There was a quick skit of rain, enough to put our jackets on. Having done this, the rain promptly stopped.

Eventually the river was crossed again, using the same route, and by 5pm most of us were very pleased to be back at the van.

It had been a long but enjoyable day; we were out for more than eight hours, including lunch.

Trampers: Dorothy, Tony, Vic Bullock, Murray White, John Marshall, Marie Deroles, Geoff Greer, Denise Bavidge, Sue Martin (All photos), John Burrell, and reporter Jenny Burns

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

March 2023 News

Tramp List Amendments and Road Closures Due to the inability to access most of the Ruahine Forest … Read More

February 2023 News

Mokai Access to Iron Bark and Colenso Huts Copied from the Ruahine User Group (Private) Facebook … Read More

Latest trip

Racing (and beating) Cyclone Gabrielle

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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