Te Atuaoparapara, Ruahine FP, Saturday 28 November 2020. Map BK36 Banner Photo: Te Atuaoparapara with Waipawa Saddle on the left There were just eight on this tramp, and seven of us doing the loop. Why so few? Perhaps it was the ‘eight hours’ in the tramp description, perhaps it was nerves about the scree slope;… [Read More]
A challenging day tramp in the Ruahine Ranges
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… [Read More]
Out of the mist they rose
Sunrise Hut – Armstrong Saddle – Sparrowhawk track, Ruahine FP, Saturday 11 February 2017 Map: BK36 Banner photo: Heading up to Armstrong Saddle. It was supposed to be a fantastic weather day for tramping. The aim for the majority of the group was to reach the top of the Ruahines from Sunrise Hut and travel… [Read More]
11 into 66 is the winning number
Wednesday December 7, 2016. Sunrise Hut, Armstrong Saddle, Te Atuaoparapara (aka 66), Waipawa Saddle, Waipawa River, North Block Road -Waipawa River road-end. Ruahine FP. Map: BK36 Banner Photo: Specks on the top heading down from the trig Despite prior moans about an earlier start, the club had to hire another van because we had 22… [Read More]
What a Sunrise: The finest spell of weather there in living memory
Waipawa Saddle, Ruahine FP, Map: BK36. Wednesday 17 August 2016 The ducks were all in line for this trip. Recent snow and now an anticyclone was bathing Hawke’s Bay, promising clear fine weather for a tramp to the tops. The plan was to reach Waipawa saddle via part-way up Sunrise Track before dropping down to… [Read More]
Foiled again
Sunrise Hut to Sparrowhawk Biv, Ruahine FP, Saturday December 5, 2015 Map: BK36 We were foiled again. For the second time in a few months, we have tried to get beyond Sunrise Hut, but the strong winds made getting along the ridge line to Armstrong Saddle impossible. Yes, the banner pix is one of the… [Read More]
The answer was blowin’ in the wind
Top Maropea Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday August 1, 2015 Map: BK36 The wind was atrocious. We could hear it raging from the car park at North Block Road, so the chances of us getting to Top Maropea Hut would be nigh-on impossible if the sound was our yardstick. So we enjoyed the walk up to… [Read More]
A warming open fire in Top Maropea Hut – but oh, what a mess
Top Maropea Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday/Sunday May 30/31, 2015 Queen’s Birthday weekend, and Les and I only wanted to do an overnight tramp. We decided that Top Maropea would be a good short trip to a lovely hut. We expected snow, as the tops were well covered during May’s cold spell, and encountered it near… [Read More]
A great Plan B, down the shingle slide
Waipawa River North Arm, Ruahine FP. Saturday February 14, 2015. Map BK36 When we arrived at Sunrise Hut, it was clear that the trip over to Sparrowhawk Bivvy would have to be changed. What was the point in going across the tops when you could not see anything? One look above Sunrise Hut, where we… [Read More]
A quick trip to Sunrise
Sunrise Hut, Wednesday February 13, 2013. Map: BK36 The trip planned was to Sunrise Hut, Armstrong Saddle, Te Atuaoparapara, Waipawa Saddle and Waipawa River. The clouds hanging over the ranges did not look promising, but we continued with the plan. There was a light drizzle on leaving the car park at the start; however, jackets… [Read More]
Snow at Sunrise
Top Maropea Hut – Sunrise Hut, September 15 2010. Map: BK36 Trampers: Kelvin Shaw, Peter Slagter, Alison Greer, Gary Bowler, Paul Exeter, Vic Bullock, Ken Ross, John Marshall, Viv Pinkham (visitor), John Gray, Robyn Smith, Murray Goss, Ron Morison, John Burrell, Elaine Gavin (visitor) and Keith Moretta Strong winds, snow-clad hills and spring lambs greeted… [Read More]
A fine day for photo-opportunities
Sunrise Hut to Sparrowhawk Bivouac, Saturday November 7 2009. Map: BK36 Trampers: Colleen Pereaux, Murray Goss, Paul Exeter, Sue Martin, Sue Marshall, Denise Payne, Belinda Chapman, John Marshall (to Sunrise Hut and Armstrong Saddle, and return) Jude Paton, Geoff Donkin, Ted Angove, Wade Sawyer, Matt Green, Bethany Rouse, Les O’Shea, Alison Greer and reporter Gordon… [Read More]
