The Gap by Castle Hill Peak (Torlesse Range)
The Gap is a prominent opening in the Torlesse Range, located between Castle Hill Peak and Red Peak. It resembles a missing tooth in a jaw of sharply pointed canines and flat molars, making it…
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Mt Tripp in Tenahaun Conservation Area
When this trip appeared on the CTC website, I had no idea where it was. After a quick bit of research, I discovered that Mt Tripp is a relatively low-lying peak (1368m) in the Moorhouse…
Mt Harper Circuit via Balmacaan Saddle
Mt Harper is a rounded peak near Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater and Lake Emma. In the landscape of surrounding majestic ranges, including the Aerosmith and Two Thumbs Ranges, it appears somewhat less grand but also…
Mt Thomas to Pinchgut Hut and Bob’s Camp Biv
I had been pondering for a few days about what to do on Saturday. I found that Emma was looking for a trip too, so after passionate discussions about the weather and abandoning plans A,…
Mt Oxford
My first trip ever that I led for the CTC was to Mt Oxford. This was my third trip leading up there. We started off at Coopers Creek carpark, from where we tackled the usual…
Waimakariri River Mouth
Spring has arrived and with it some strong winds. I didn’t feel like driving too far to get blown off a mountain, so I thought that staying low and close to home was a reasonable…
Mt Cockayne to Mt Cheesman, Craigieburns
It was kind of a last-minute trip, at least by CTC standards, where trip leaders sometimes post trips a year in advance. With about three days to sign up, I managed to gather seven folks,…
Pudding Hill Stream Route
The track starts at Awa Awa Rata Reserve. From there, we followed a well-marked and well-established track to a steep side of the Mount Hutt Range. The bush up there is quite lovely. Soon, we…
Jollie Brook Circuit in a day (again) + side trip to Cold Stream Hut
It’s been 3 years since I did Jollie Brook. Back then, we technically took two days as we slept near the car. I’ve been wondering for a while if it’s doable as a day trip…
Kinnebrooks Hut trip
This summer, I’d like to do more hut bagging, so when a trip to this intriguingly sounding hut popped up on the CTC website, I was all in. And I was not the only one…