Classic South Island tramps

[bernieq]

I seem to manage to get across the ditch to the South Island every 2 years. The most recent trip (Feb 2013) involved two tramps.

First was a 9-day 100km sapping climbs over high alpine passes, scrambles down precipitous scree slopes and strolls along glaciated river valleys. With a 2 day break to re-supply, we headed off for an 8-day tramp through stunning alpine country, mostly off-track.

Rather than repeat the trip reports, here are a couple of links :
St Arnaud - Lewis Pass http://www.tramper.co.nz/?8459
5 Passes (including Lake Nerine) http://www.tramper.co.nz/?8505

Yeah, I know - a bity cheeky posting links to another website - but I was after the first post in the new forum

[bernieq]

High alpinre tarns, panoramic views and snow-clad peaks are the norn in the South Island.

on the summit of Sunset Peak, overlooking Fohn Lakes Feb 2013

camping beside Lake Thompson at 1700m Feb 2013

[eggs]

No worries on the links.
Excellent writeups and some nice weather.

[kanangra]

Great reports. I loved the shot of your Lake Thompson camp. I stayed there with a couple of mates a few years back. We were on a circuit from Lewis Pass. We went in via the St James Track to Christopher Hut and then up river to Lake Thomson where we camped. Next day we went over Thomson Pass and D'Urville Pass into the Matakitaki and satyed at Bobs Hut. Next day we walked out to the car via 3 tarns Pass. I think Bob's Hut has to be my most preferred hut location of all those I have visited in NZ. What a spot!

K.

[bernieq]

Thanks kanangra (and eggs).

Four days, Kanangra? That’s a pretty good pace. Christopher Hut to Lake Thompson would have been a long day (30+km, I think, and most of it up)

The NZ system of huts is just brilliant and Bob’s is no exception ….. but I don’t think I can identify a favourite hut. I don’t rely on the huts (I still carry a tent) but when the weather is cr*p, a hut is a great place to take refuge (and dry your socks!)

That said, it's hard to beat the Angelus Hut (it's often crowded so a tent is a good option).

Lake Angelus and the hut - from Sunset Saddle Apr 2011

[Rob A]

Gee you dont get seventy mile an hour breezes. Good for you .

[bernieq]

Been there in wind, Rob?? any pics?

Actually, the day before the above photo, we came up the Cedric Track from Sabine Hut – very strong gusting winds, mist turning to horizontal sleet, sometimes barely able to see the next snow pole.

[kanangra]

Thanks for those shots. with Bob's I was thinking more the location and the remoteness. The large flat with the 3 streams all converging. Sublime. Yes the pull up to Lake Thompson was a full day but we had plenty of light left to get set up. We strung a couple of tarps from the boulder near the outlet to the lake.

I agree with you about angelus. The old hut was great but the new is even better. I have come up Mt Cedric twice and once in on Roberts ridge but never via the creek.

K.