On 30 July a group of 8 set out at 7.00am from Te Aute Road heading to the Dannevirke Hills for a walk up to the A Frame Hut. It was a very chilly start to the day around 1 degree but beautifully clear and we soon warmed up walking. The track was certainly very muddy in parts from the recent weather. However the track is easy to follow.
As it was such a clear day there were some stunning sights for a photo stop or two to catch your breath from the steep hill. After about 2 ½ hours of climbing, the track opens up and a panoramic view of the Hawke’s Bay welcomes you to the tops. The Hut has been extensively overhauled including the addition of two new bunks, a new window, a bench seat, wood burner, retaining wall, water tank and interior & exterior painting. The Maori name, Te Ao Tūpare, translates as ‘realm of the leatherwood’ (very fitting for the ridges of the southern Ruahine Range).
We did not stay long at the Hut due to the extremely chilly temperature and headed back down.
Six of us made it to the top while Glenda and Susan went back down after the half way mark and headed off to do the low level Rokaiwhenua Track. Like the bottom half of the track to A Frame, there is some very impressive trees on the Rokai track. They met another tramper on this track who encouraged them to go as far as the top of the ridge where a great stand of rimu were.
All in all a really great day and it was great to see the hut in such a nice condition.
Jude H, Anne C, Brent H, Christine L, Glenda H, Peter B, Susan L, Des S
