Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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A challenging day tramp in the Ruahine Ranges

December 2, 2017 by Geoff Donkin Leave a Comment

Sunrise to Te Atuaoparapara (aka 66), Waipawa Saddle, Saturday, 2 December 2017
Map: BK36
Banner: The view across to Te Atuaoparapara and Waipawa Saddle

It was a still day and hot work on the climb up to Sunrise Hut. We could see thunder clouds gathering to the east. As often happens, we met some people coming down the track. There was a short break at Sunrise Hut before continuing on. Going across Armstrong Saddle and up to the turn-off to Top Maropea Hut, we had good views all around. However, cloud obscured Ruapehu.

The trig highpoint (66). Julia, Juliet, Geoff, Mandy and John. Photo taken by Ali.

We headed down to the saddle above the North arm of the Waipawa River and then started climbing into a wider area where the track is less obvious. Progress here was helped by track markers put in by Julia’s brother, Roel. After that, there was a steep climb to the first high point where we took a quick break to recover.

We walked several hundred metres along the top to the trig, stopping for lunch. A glider flew by, quite close. It did a spiralling climb, using the thermals to gain altitude. We then headed down some shingle, across a rocky area and down a mild shingle slide. Ali gave assistance to those who were uncomfortable on the slippy bits.

Passing the tarns, Te Atuaoparapara in the background.

We carried on down, past a couple of small tarns, and climbed to a small spur heading south, across to a metal box on a stake. We were supposed to go as far south as possible along the spur to pick up the spur leading to Waipawa Saddle. Unfortunately, we dropped off too soon and had to angle across to pick up the correct spur and track.

Some of the flora we saw during the day tramp

Once in position, we aimed for the Waipawa Saddle for a drink stop and continued down through the leatherwood and Spaniards. Someone quite rightly yelled when they grabbed a Spaniard by accident.

We went down a short shingle slide to where the main river valley starts. A lot of shingle has been pushed further down the river. The previous year’s track was not always obvious. Part-way down the river, it started spitting with rain – but not enough to warrant putting parkas on. We headed past the North arm of the Waipawa River.

We’d had enough of the river, so took the track up to join the Sunrise Track. At the junction, a seat is dedicated to a tramper. Back down the main track past Triplex Hut, we arrived at the car park and the van at about 5.45pm. It had been a longer day than anyone expected.

Sue and Jude were patiently waiting for us. Apparently, they got drenched just before they got back to the van. Thanks for their patience in waiting for us and for Juliet and Sue driving the van. A great trip – and we were tired at the end of it.

Trampers: Ali Hollington, Mandy Cunningham, Juliet Gillick, Julia Mackie, John Bennett, Sue Martin, Jude Paton and reporter and photos Geoff Donkin

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Sunrise Hut, Te Atuaoparapara, Waipawa Saddle

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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 2023 News

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December 2022 News

Mokai access A message from Dan Tuohy, Senior Ranger, DoC Manawatu. Posted 24 December … Read More

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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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