Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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A GORGEous day out

November 4, 2020 by Kelvin Shaw Leave a Comment

Manawatu Gorge Track, Wednesday 4 November 2020

There were 14 of us, ten in the van and four in a car, heading off to walk the Manawatu Gorge Track. And it was a gorgeous day: sunny and very warm, with little wind.

We arrived at the Ballance Road DoC car park at 9.45 and the plan was for the majority to walk one way only and be picked up at the other end by the van. Two trampers of the Greyhound Variety felt they could make a return trip if time allowed or at least turn round when time ran out. The car was left for their return.

The van with three on board then went to the western end via the Saddle road and Ashhurst. The intention was to walk in to meet the main group and then turn around. That end of the road and car park area is having major works carried out, with entry gates similar to Te Mata Peak, giving daylight access only to the track. A high-level new car park is being constructed.

The impressive Whatonga

Several of the group had not done this tramp before, so time was taken to detour to visit the lookout points and the close-up of one of the windmills. The giant stainless steel Maori warrior that overlooks the gorge has had his oversized and over-proportioned (I think) manhood restored since it was vandalised some time ago by an offended volunteer track worker.

There was lots of birdlife to listen to and see, a pleasant change from some of the areas we tramp. The track is in excellent condition. For a mid-week day, there was also quite a number of other users.

Someone estimated the time to traverse the track, one way, was two and a half hours. In reality, it was more like four. With a full vanload, we headed back over the Saddle Road to rendezvous with the Greyhounds who had almost completed a full return trip.

From there it was non-stop to Dannevirke and the Black Stump Café for a coffee (and, for some, a late lunch). Thanks to Sue G for providing the extra transport.

Trampers: Ted Angove, Rosemary Jeffrey, Sue G, Gaye Gasser, Amber Cooper, John Burrell, Murray White, Vic Bullock, Tony Pluymers, John Bennett, Viv Bramley, Colleen Perreau, Gordon Tapp and scribe Kelvin Shaw

Filed Under: Napier Tramping Club, Recent trips Tagged With: Manawatu Gorge

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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

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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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