Aorangi Forest Park, 9-12 September Banner Pix: Mangatoetoe Hut I hadn’t really heard of the Aorangi Forest Park until I read the tramp list, so I Googled the name and found it in the South Wairarapa. We were to start at the Pinnacles and finish not far from the Cape Palliser lighthouse. Day 1 We… [Read More]
A golden day in the snow
Gold Creek Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 11 September 2019 Banner Pix: Gold Creek Hut in tidy condition Eight of us left Park Island at 7.30 in the van with Hilary in the driving seat, picking up Rosemary and Sue on the way. We exited the van at the end of Glenny Road at 9am for… [Read More]
September 2019 News
Contents: Iron Gate Hut, Rebuild Kia ora RUG, The Iron Gate Hut build will commence on the 30th September. It is expected to take up to 6 weeks to complete the project alongside NZDF. As discussed with the RUG, there will be alternative accommodation provided to be used exceptional circumstances, otherwise the site will be… [Read More]
Great views from Longview
Longview Hut, Ruahine Range, Wednesday 28 August 2019 Banner Pix: Heading down to the hut After several days of strong westerly winds, tramp day dawned frosty and calm, just what you need when heading to Longview Hut in the central Ruahine Range. Twenty trampers convened at Moorcock Saddle car park, with 18 climbing the exposed… [Read More]
It’s a fern fest in the Whirinaki Forest Park
Upper Te Hoe Hut, Whirinaki FP, Sat/Sun 24/25 August 2019. Map BG38 Banner Pix: Sidling through the bush We watched the temperature gauge plummet as we left the Napier/Taupo road and headed along the potholes to our first stop, Plateau car park, from where Julia was to start her six- or seven-hour tramp via the… [Read More]
A double whammy
Central Whirinaki Hut, Whirinaki FP, Saturday 24 August, 2019. Map: BG38 Photos: Shona Tupe Nine trampers left in two cars from Park Island. We had a few showers on the way and the temperature was 5C when we arrived at Plateau car park, where we met up with the weekenders. They were heading to Upper… [Read More]
Pesky pines and stoats in the Kawekas
Mackintosh car park – Mackintosh Hut – Lakes car park circuit, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 14 August 2019. Map: BJ37 Banner Pix: John with a stoat. After a cool 7.30am departure from Park Island, 11 of us travelled to Mackintosh car park to start tramping at 8.55. The tramp was to have been from Lakes car… [Read More]
Sunshine all the way in the Kaweka FP
Mackintosh to Lawrence, Kaweka FP, Saturday 10 August, 2019. Map: BJ37 Banner Pix: Trying to keep the boots dry, just before crossing the Donald River Five trampers departed in two vehicles on a mild Saturday for the Taihape Road and Mackintosh Hut area. We did a car swap at the Lawrence Road car park and… [Read More]
August 2019 News
Contents: Ron Lee – 2 February 1929 – 11 August 2019 It is with sadness that we report the death of Ron Lee. He was a life member of the club, and held the position of President for 1976-77 and 1981-82. Ron’s funeral was held in Napier on Wednesday 14 August. He was remembered at… [Read More]
Trapping and tramping go well together
Iron Whare, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 31 July 2019 The trip started in fine weather and ended in snowflakes. Sixteen trampers made it to this historic hut. The tramp was an exercise in checking all the traps along the way. Rosemary remembered the lesson on how to reset the DoC 200 trap. MM47 was sprung with… [Read More]
A workout for the gastrocnemii
Parks Peak, Ruahine FP, 26 July 2019 Banner: View of the main range, looking south-west from the ‘red chair’. For those of you who don’t know what the gastrocnemius is, just ask anyone who has walked to Parks Peak Hut via Sentry Hut and Pohatuhaha ridge which part of their body hurts. The tramp was… [Read More]
Ginger was all the spice we needed
Gallen’s Bush, Maungaharuru Range, Wednesday 17 July 2019 Banner Pix: Resting underneath the giant totara tree Access to Gallen’s Bush is through Ohuakura Road, off SH5, just before Te Pohue. We followed the road for 10 km and met our guide for the day, Ginger Wilson, whom Ted had organised to unlock the barrier gate… [Read More]