Fowlers Pass-Lake Guyon-Maling pass
This trip was undertaken a year or so ago, and rates as an all time goodie. My son and I set out early on a summer's morning, realising that this might be the last time we had to spend quality time together before his departure overseas (courtesy of the army). Arriving at Fowlers Hut early (having been told that you could park your vehicle here) we headed off into a very warm NW up Fowlers Pass. Greeted at the top by a freezing breeze soon took away any goodwill to North Canterbury's summers. The alpine plants up here are amazing. You have to admire their resilience to the 60 mile/hr winds that just about blew us of the ridge! From here, the drop down through the gorge was brilliant and well worth the broken pack strap that crippled me later (damn those stubbies). An easy wander through the valley, broken flats and dodging bulls, we finally arrived at the Lake Guyon Hut.
This lake has very few comparisions as far as beauty, and the fish are in abundance. Overwhelmed by this beautiful place, we set up for the night, then off to check out the wee hill opposite the lake. Having just settled in for the night, we were disturbed by some people in a 4WD, who went to great lengths to tell us that we were not welcome at the hut, as we were on private land and this was a private hut! DOC have it listed as a DOC hut - grade 2 - and I would be interested to hear from people that have similar experiences.
Day 2: left Guyon Hut for an easy walk up the valley, past glacier gully (awesome) and on to Maling Pass. For those that don't know . . . DON'T GO THIS WAY!
Do this trip from Tennyson. It's easier! Not to mention the 10km walk back to your vehicle
