Avalanche Peak
Trip Start
Aug 01, 2008
1
90
150
Trip End
Dec 20, 2008
Otira,
South Island,
New Zealand
Friday, October 24, 2008
Otira (Arthur's Pass) S 42° 49.8' E 171° 33.7'
And Avalanche Peak
Having done some minimal planning the evening before, picked Will up at about 08:30 and headed off west to the mountains. Well, to a shopping mall for Will to get a sweater and gloves, and then to the mountains. Oh, and a sandwich shop, but then direct to the mountains.
The road to Arthur's Pass included a number of photo opportunities that we couldn't resist, perhaps the most notable being Castle Hill. As well as crossing the northern part of Canterbury Plain, we went over the Porters Pass and through some high-level valleys before finally arriving at Arthur's. Although it was a bit on the late side, a combination of weather forecast, snow conditions and local advice made us decide to go for Avalanche Peak.
The route took us steeply up through the brush, on a ridge that became better-defined as we climbed and quite narrow as we got close to the top. There was a little snow, but nothing troublesome. The views of Mount Rolleston and its ridges and glacier were splendid, and from the top we had fine views in all directions. The weather held fine and clear. We suffered a little from dehydration and sore feet, but had a splendid afternoon. Keas delayed us somewhat on the descent, but that's the point; we're in New Zealand.
We then drove down the other side of the pass, which is steep in places, to the Otira Hotel. We camped in the field opposite and ate at the pub, chatting to the landlord (Arran via Somerset) and other campers (Christchurch). It was all very exciting and we didn't get to bed until gone 9 o'clock!
