Christchurch Tramping Buddies

Golly, no bites yet! Maybe the guys don't have nav skills either and they're relying on you to show them the way.

try local trmping clubs? if they dont know how to navigate then we're all in trouble, he he http://www.fmc.org.nz/clubs/canterbury/

Hey, I'm in a tramping club (not Chch). I know how to navigate really well---I just get lazy when other people are around! :)

I've got some good yarns about Christchurch clubs nav stuff ups. But that's enough stirring...

The best part is figuring out how to explain it away.

Hi. If you're willing to take a week... I'll looking for buddies for walking the Three Passes route (4-5 days, out of Arthur's Pass) between 13 March 2012 and 21 March 2012. It's hard but no climbing. I can navigate (usually). [ I'm 35, Australian, male, experienced hiker (no climbing)]. Cheers, Brett

The 3 Passes is normally done in 3 days. I've done it in 2 days and it gets run in a day. It would be worth checking the route conditions with DoC as you may need to take an ice axe and crampons. I've never heard of anyone needing to do it in 4 days.

Thanks for the info Honora. DOC said maybe an ice axe, crampons probably not required. Regarding the duration: Can you confirm 2/3 days? Other sources (DOC leaflet at http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/Waimakariri/AP-route-guides/route-guide-4.pdf and this site http://tramper.co.nz/?view=object&id=371) have 4/5 days. (I'll be walking 'medium pace', and usually roughly match DOC times estimates.)

Hi Brett, That is a trip I did quite a few times between the early 70's & mid 80's & have done bits of it in recent years. I agree with DOC that you would get away without crampons at this time of year and that an ice axe could be handy. If you are coming from ChCh & returning to ChCh & walk at about DOC guideline times here is a possible itinerary for you. 1/Travel to Klondyke Cnr & Walk to Carrington hut 2/Walk thru to Park Morpeth hut 3/Carry on to Grassy Flat hut 4/Walk out to the Kokatahi - Lake Kaniere road. That is three nights & four days though days one & four are short days allowing for travel between ChCh & the track ends. Note that no contingency day has been built in so if you do add one in you would be up to five days. glennj