More SI Tracks
Original post
OK all you SI locals. My partner and I have two months off this coming Feb/March. (Long overdue leave I'm really looking forward to:-) We are both in our 50's, I've been tramping since I was a boy and we'll be travelling reasonably light... about 8kg base weight per person with a tarptent.
My partner is much less experienced, but keen to experience the magic of the big SI valleys for herself.... as a contrast to listening to me mooning on about them;-)
But oh dear we are SO unfit. What I'd love are some suggestions. Your favourite overnighters... easy/medium 4-6hrs or so with either a nice hut or great camping... that we can explore for the first two to three weeks while we build up fitness and confidence again.
For instance, the Cobb Valley is an obvious candidate, and at some point I really want to visit the Thousand Acres Plateau. We have the time, and are flexible about where we go... any other secret spots that won't be crowded out?
Try Mt. Owen, ok its up hill......but you'll love it.There is a nice hut to stay at or camp at the tarn 40 minutes below the summit(approx. hour past the hut).Get up early and head to the top to watch the sunrise.
You can do the trip in a day in the summer but an overnighter is a great option, it gives you a chance to explore.
Thanks macca... thats a great suggestion. In fact I can see us spending a whole month in the Kahurangi area.
Anyone else with something similar please?
Hi Philip, we aren't actually in NZ yet - we're moving from Australia in a couple of weeks - but I've started mapping some routes. My partner has a muscular ailment (GSD-V) that means we can't tackle anything too serious or steep so I've been scouring DOC GIS mapping data in conjunction with Google Maps/Earth and GARtrip programming some tracks into my Garmin for us when we get there. Seeing we have similar requirements of easy/moderate tracks I'm happy to share our experiences and plans :) [Email address removed]
FYI, Mt Owen summit climb with elevation profile:
http://twitpic.com/3ko8za/full
That's very cool Nathanael.. thanks.
My daughter is a GIS specialist... I must get up to speed with how this is done.
Recommend the Young / Wilkin circuit. Jet boat to start(about $25) then to new Young Hut. Up valley and over Gillespie Pass and on to Siberia Hut. Fly out to Makarora (backload about $50 ) Note : Choose a good weather window.
That's fine suggestion. Actually it would be good to finish that trip in decent conditions... it was the scene of an old crime some 30yrs ago, one that ended in waist-deep snow and failing daylight somewhere near the summit. It's not a bad idea to banish that old ghost if I could.
Kirwans Hut. Which starts just outside Reefton. Follows a pack track up to a neat hut at the bushline. Coal supplied. On a fine day you can see all the way to Mt Cook.
Inland Pack Track: Sleep the night under the "ballroom" a huge rock overhang in the Fox river. Can start or finish at Punakaikai. See the pancake rocks and blowholes at the same time.
I have plenty more
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| Forum | Tracks, routes, and huts |
|---|---|
| Started by | PhilipW |
| On | 15 December 2010 |
| Replies | 8 |
| Permanent link | |
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