In  keeping with a long tradition,  David Gauld will lead an excursion
up a nearby high peak. Kaweka, at about 1720 metres, is high enough to
give extensive views on  a clear day. The  views extend from the sweep
of Hawke Bay in the east, across the rugged central spine of the North
Island to the  central volcanoes in the  west. Last time we climbed it
the views were  less than extensive; about  3 metres. The drive to the
base  of Kaweka  takes about an   hour which, in  a way,  is good news
because it takes  us to an elevation of  almost 1100 metres to a  high
terrace  covered with beech  forest. With a  steady climb  of only 600
metres we can  expect to get to  the top in  less than three hours  of
climbing. In  places the track  is a bit  rough so  boots are best but
people do climb in strong  shoes. In one  or two short stretches there
is mild    exposure to heights   but nothing  serious.   You should be
prepared for cold weather and hot: one January  it snowed up there two
days after we climbed it in gloriously warm weather.