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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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Torlesse Range: Foggy Peak, Castle Hill Peak & The Gap
The distinct, rugged rectangular incision or large ‘missing tooth’ in the skyline of the Torlesse Range known simply as ‘The Gap’ is a very popular area for trampers in Canterbury. Because The Gap is easily visible from the Canterbury Plains, the Port Hills, and the Craigieburn Range, its striking silhouette only adds to the allure…
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Avalanche-Lyell-Bealey Peak Loop – The ‘Triple Crown’
The Avalanche-Lyell-Bealey Loop in Arthur’s Pass had been on my tramping list for ages. There was even once a race over Avalanche Peak, though unfortunately, it stopped running before I got the chance to compete. While researching the route, I stumbled across the nickname “The Triple Crown” for this loop—it stuck with me immediately and…
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Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track: Holding on to your Pantaloons!
The Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track is a popular front-country tramp in Craigieburn Forest Park. This classic 34km Canterbury hike offers an incredible variety of terrain, from gentle valleys and lush beech forests to high alpine saddles with panoramic views with options for side trips such as summiting Mt Bruce for more experienced parties. In winter, the…
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Brass Monkey, Devil’s Den and Lucretia Biv in Lewis Pass
As a tramper, I had long since been fascinated and intrigued by the name of Brass Monkey Bivouac in the Lewis Pass. In New Zealand “Brass monkeys” is a colloquial idiom meaning extremely cold weather. Intrigued by the name and seeking a fun solo adventure, I set off on an epic 7-day solo hiking loop…
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Poulter Valley – an Arthur’s Pass adventure
Tucked away in Arthur’s Pass National Park, the route through the Poulter Valley and over Binser Saddle with a side trip to Lake Minchin is a true classic for trampers seeking a bit of solitude, native wildlife, mixture of different backcountry huts and spectacular alpine scenery. Over four days, our journey took us past the…
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Maitland Pass – with a Llama & Bananas
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Cameron Valley to Ashburton Glacier: A Trans- Alpine Tramping Trip.
Traversing the Ashburton Glacier in Hakatere Conservation Park stands out as one of my more memorable and exhilarating tramps in New Zealand. Interestingly, this trip started as a backup plan. We were waiting for the Clyde River levels to drop so we could attempt to tramp into the legendary Garden of Eden ice plateau. Instead,…
