Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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The clouds rose – and so did the spirits

October 30, 2009 by Ken Ross Leave a Comment

Sparrowhawk Range, Wednesday Oct 28 2009

Trampers: Paul Exeter, Vic Bullock, Peter Slagter, Robyn Smith, Keith Moretta, John Marshall and Ken Ross

The magnificent mountains, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe

Our start was at the bridge over the Taruarau River on the Napier-Taihape Road. The weather wasn’t at all promising as we made our way over the Gentle Annie but had improved a little by the time we started out from the van. After a minor Temporary Off Track Experience (TOTE), caused by snow damage obscuring the track start, we were off up the ridge to the trig on the north end of the range. This was a steady climb through low scrub, mainly manuka but with other species now regenerating on this previously burnt and farmed land. The weather steadily improved and by the time we reached the trig, we were optimistic it would clear completely to reveal the panoramic views that are a feature of this tramp. To the north, we could already see the Hogget and nor’east to Kohinga (Bonny Mary).

From the trig, the track continues south along the ridge top, undulating but steadily climbing through grass, tussock and low scrub. We passed over the high point and dropped down slightly over rocky outcrops to our lunch stop at the southern extremity of the range. It was then seriously downhill in all directions. We chose a lunch spot out of the cool westerly wind and with great views out east to the Kaikomata Range and the Comet and the Te Mahunga River valley below.

During lunch, the last of the clouds lifted off Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, giving us great views to these mountains on the skyline to the west. They were deeply covered in snow from the recent southerly blast. The deep valley of the Taruarau River was immediately down to our left as we retraced our steps on the return trip.

We were back at the van soon after 3 pm, feeling elated after a day with 360 degree views and blue sky overhead and enough of a cool westerly wind to keep us feeling invigorated.

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Sparrowhawk Range

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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

January 2021 News

First club meeting of 2021 Our first meeting for this year will be on Thursday 14th January at the … Read More

December 2020 News

Mike Christie, Ranger Recreation/Historic, Manawatu. Kia Ora RUG group,  There will be on-going … 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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