Mt Philistine Traverse
- 1 day one way
- Hard
A classic mountain traverse in Arthurs Pass National Park, includes climbing steep scree, bluffs, rock and snow. An ice axe and crampons are often essential, a rope may be needed.
Walking time
|
1 day
6 hr – 10 hr
|
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Type
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One way
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Grade
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Hard
Under ideal conditions this is a high but not technical alpine tramp. Snow is mainly seasonal. Grades explained
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Starts
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Upper Otira Valley carpark |
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Ends
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Waimak Falls Hut |
Maps
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-
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In summer conditions, for experienced alpine trampers and mountaineers, this is a high but not a technically difficult crossing. Ice axe and crampons will normally be required. In adverse conditions identifying the starts of descents in particular can be a challenge. All normal alpine hazards are present.
Warnocks Bluff is steep and exposed. Difficult sections of the ridge immediately west of Mt Philistine are best sidled just below the crest to the north. Connecting with the main divide col west of Pt2000 is a simple efficient route - other options using Waimak Col and Waimak Pass can be used.