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Dumb-bell Lake with the Flying Dumbo Elephant
Ever wanted to visit a lake that reminds you of the whimsical flying circus elephant Dumbo with his large flappy ears? Dumb-bell Lake, above Lake Ōhau, is as charming as the cartoon elephant Dumbo and well worth all the climbing. Planning Information Topo Map BZ14 Mt BarthBackcountry navigation required. The snow poles to Dumb-bell Lake…
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Exploring the Best Waterfalls in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a dramatic landscape. Best known for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the park has many short walks to spectacular waterfalls. Using the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club (WTMC) Lodge as a base was perfect for exploring both the well-known waterfalls and a few secret hidden gems. Iconic & Accessible Falls 1. TARANAKI fALLS…
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Climbing Te Ātaahua: Reaching the “Shark’s Tooth” on Mt Ruapehu
Identifying the Forgotten Highpoint: Point 2757 While Paretetaitonga is widely recognized as the second-highest peak on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, a higher point on the summit ridge often goes unnoticed. Located further south lies Point 2757, informally known as Te Ātaahua—meaning “the beauty.” To those looking up from the Turoa skifield, this sharp…
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Solo in Nelson Lakes: From Mt Angelus to the quiet Mahanga Range & D’Urville Valley
Nelson Lakes National Park is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic tracks. After previously tackling Robert Ridge in winter, I returned in summer to climb Mt Angelus (Maniniaro) and explore the rugged & less-travelled Mahanga Range. This trip report covers the transition from the popular Angelus Hut area to the quieter, and sometimes…
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Two Thumb Range: The Dog Kennel, Kea’s Loot & Trojan War
A spectacular off-track 5 day loop in the Two Thumb Range from Mesopotamia over Brabazon Saddle, Inkerman Saddle, Alma Col and Balaclava Saddle. The Two Thumb Range in Canterbury’s Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Area offers some rugged and remote tramping experiences through impressive, glacial valleys. A rewarding stop at Mount Somers Village Our recent mission…
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The Wye Creek Route: A Remarkables Range Traverse
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Chasing more adventure: Beyond the Earnslaw Burn Track & Rock Biv
Often underestimated, the Earnslaw Burn Track is a Southern Alps classic near Queenstown. While many are drawn by the towering waterfalls and hanging glacier, navigating the windfall-heavy bush and unpredictable mountain weather requires solid planning. A night in the Earnslaw Burn Rock Bivvy and more adventurous off track route make this trip more adventurous than…
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Whakaari Conservation Area: Discovering “White Gold” & Spectacular Views
Bus Timetable Magic & “White Gold” With only two days before my flight out of Queenstown, I needed a tramp that aligned with local transport. Fortunately, the Cromwell and Glenorchy bus timetables synced perfectly to get me to Whakaari Conservation Area. The driver was even kind enough to drop me directly at the start of…
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Exploring Ferny Gair: Lake Alexander and beyond
If you’ve ever found yourself hunting for elusive backcountry spots off the beaten track, navigating “geographical embarrassment,” or frogmarching a hiking buddy up a 1,670-meter peak for 360-degree views, you’ll feel right at home in Ferny Gair Conservation Area. Lake Alexander in Ferny Gair Conservation Area is a hidden gem that many people have probably…
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Silverstream-Bull Paddock-Lost Stream Traverse: A 3-day trip in Leatham Conservation Area
“You don’t need your teeth to walk out.” The best adventures sometimes happen when your original plans fall through. Standing at the edge of an uncrossable Dart Ford, our Luna Tops dreams were washed away—but the Raglan Range was calling with a Silverstream-Bull Paddock-Lost Stream Traverse. What followed was a three-day masterclass in New Zealand…
