Pan Pac’s Rock Station, Wednesday 22 July 2026 Banner Photo: The views east from the ‘Rock Garden’ We were privileged to be the first group to walk this new track developed by Pan Pac. After communication with Conor at Pan Pac, gaining resource consent, being made aware of the emergency procedures, identifying the health and… [Read More]
Makino Hut provides some welcome warmth
Makino Hut via the Mohaka, 30-31 August 2025 Banner Photo: We’ve arrived at Makino Hut Back Ridge Hut was the original plan but, due to snow and ice still sitting on the tops of the Kawekas, the destination was changed to Makino hut via the Te Puia track. I have been to Makino Hut many… [Read More]
Where to go and where not? We ended up with Plan D
Middle Hill, Saturday 7 June 2025 Banner Photo: Tree ferns (Dicksonia Fibrosa) on the walk at Ball’s Clearing scenic reserve It had already been decided to cancel the original tramp to Iron Whare because of recent rain and concern over the level of the river to cross. The new plan was to tramp up to… [Read More]
Maungaharuru mast mist meant minimal views
Galbraith Hut, Maungaharuru Range, Saturday 15 June 2024 Banner Photo: Heading up to Galbraith Hut (on private land) The weather forecast for cloud with some sun and 13 deg temperatures for the Maungaharuru Range was encouraging for the nine members hoping to get up to the Taraponui mast. We made our way along the Napier-Taupo… [Read More]
The Rogue track, with rogue winds
The Rogue – Mackintosh Spur, Wednesday 17 April 2024 Banner Photo: The top of The Rogue, with the wind blasting us It was August 2021 when I last walked this track. And all I can remember was the long, hard climb to get to the ridge. Well, nothing has changed! Two cars left Napier with… [Read More]
Slipping, sliding and stumbling to Stanfield (or take the brand-new shortcut!)
Stanfield Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday 26 August 2023 Banner Photo: The Tamaki River bed, transformed This tramp started off different. First, we had to meet at the Girl Guide rooms in Tamatea because of road closures. Second, we were all there early, so left ten minutes before normal time. Third, one tramper desperately needed the… [Read More]
The (local) hills are alive with trampers
Taradale Hills – Sugar Loaf, Dolbel Reserve and Otatara Pa Historic Reserve, Saturday 11 March 2023 Tramping in the Kawekas or Ruahines was out, due to flood damage and no road access, so we headed into the Taradale hills. We met at Church Road winery for an 8am start up Sugar Loaf (Pukekura), which is… [Read More]
Sneaky winds thwart our attempt at Top Maropea
Sunrise Hut, Ruahine Forest Park, Wednesday, 24 August 2022 Banner Photo: The view east from Sunrise Hut As eight keen trampers headed towards the Ruahines, the still, low-lying cloud which clung to the ranges indicated no wind. However, we were badly wrong! Once we arrived at the car park, we realised that our target, Top… [Read More]
Revels at Robson’s: Our solstice food-fest goes green
Robson’s Lodge, Kuripapango, Saturday/Sunday 18/19 June 2022 Banner Photo: In our ‘green’ costumes After five hours of pulling up or chopping down wilding pines of all sizes (see the report on that under News), our team made its way to the historic Robson’s Lodge on the Napier-Taihape Road for the club’s annual solstice celebration. Because… [Read More]
At last, Longview lives up to its name
Longview Hut, Rocky Knob, Ruahine FP, Saturday 9 April 2022 Map: BL36 Banner Photo: Rocky Knob When I went to write this report, I noticed in my files a story about a similar trip, written in March 2017. We’d had no views at all. I also distinctly remember the trip we did in August 2020… [Read More]
The river crossings were welcomed this time
Waikamaka Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday 20 November 2021 Banner Photo: Cooling off in the Waipawa River Why Waikamaka Hut? Because it has been some time since we last tramped to this hut, which is owned by the Heretaunga club, and it’s Spring – which is an ideal time to get your feet wet. Eight trampers,… [Read More]
Overflowing at the Rangiwahia 12-bunk Inn
Rangiwahia Hut, Ruahine FP, Sat/Sun 5/6 June 2021 Banner Photo: The loos at Rangiwahia Hut The Brown Sugar Café (Ray Slavin’s second tramping hut) was calling us as we approached Taihape, where we enjoyed a coffee before heading to Renfrew Road car park and the start of the tramp. Everyone gasped when we saw the… [Read More]
