Mt Philistine – the easy way
In 2022, I climbed Mt Philistine for the first time. We took the route that goes directly through Warnocks Bluff, a well-trodden and even vaguely marked path heading straight up through the bluffs. This section…
Lower Arahura Hut – Newton Range Biv – Styx River
The task was simple yet not easy: walk in to Lower Arahura Hut on 31st December, leave our backpacks there, cut a steep track from the hut to Newton Range until we ran out of…
Lewis Tops – ideal spot for camping
My son Elliot (3 years old) has been advancing in his tramping journey at lightning speed. I never imagined he’d become such a fit, outdoorsy kid at such a young age. That said, we do…
Pell Stream Hut track cutting mission 2024
I’ve been trying to organise a CTC group for a track-cutting mission to Pell Stream Hut for a while now. The weather finally lined up with a free weekend, so off I went with a…
Mt Williams via Williams Saddle (Arthur’s Pass National Park)
Mt Williams (1718 m) is an impressive-looking mountain perched on the southern lip of a range that boasts stunning peaks like Mt Oates (2041 m) and Mt Franklin (2145 m). Its eastern and southern ridges…
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…
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…
From Mt Fyffe Hut to Hapuku Hut and Kowhai Hut
Looking for sunshine when the weather’s rubbish everywhere else? Of course, Kaikoura, here we come! On Friday night, Emma and I drove to the Mt Fyffe carpark and powered our way up to the hut…
Mt Thomas to Pinchgut Hut and Bob’s Camp Biv (on a “hidden” track)
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,…