Two car loads of CTC trampers set off on a journey to check out four tiny-looking tarns that drain the basin between Mt Cheeseman and Mt Izard. From Texas Flat car park, we followed the Hogs Back Track for a while before venturing off-track towards Pt 1552. The steep, tussocky slope was a decent slog, but we made good time to a prominent old tree.
From Pt 1552, we continued along the ridge. When we caught sight of the first tarn at the 1580 contour, we decided to continue further up to around the 1700 contour, where we turned sharply west onto a narrow ridge. It looked fine from where we were, but the other side wasn’t great and was full of bluffs. Next time, it may be easier to descend to the first tarn at 1580 and try to cross the ridge there.
That said, we managed to cross the ridge at 1700m and continued on to the second tarn, between the 1700 and 1720 contours. The second tarn was virtually non-existent, although a decent and scenic stream flew from it. The third tarn between 1720-1740m contour was very pretty and full of water, while the fourth was just a wee puddle.
From the third tarn, we climbed up onto the ridge and made our way to the saddle between Pt 1959 and Mt Izard. From there, it was a short climb to the summit of Mt Izard, followed by a long slog down along the ridge.
It was a pretty good outing, with classic Craigieburns terrain: not much exposure, easy navigation, steep scree slopes, and flat, rocky ridges. The third tarn would make a great camping spot for a two-day Craigieburn traverse.
Stats: 13.1 km, 7 h 40 min (chilled pace), 1800 m ascent. Route taken on NZ topo map (download below).
Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX), Vanessa Giacomolli, Lisa McArthur, Rachel Hunt, Safka Dowding, Michael Drawbridge, Joanna Buchajczyk, Fiona Gough, Kate Stedman.
Tramped on 3rd April 2026.
Photos
Map
Max elevation: 2015 m
Min elevation: 886 m
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