The Tararua Range is mostly known for its misty and moody weather, but in the heart of summer, the peaks and valleys transform into a vibrant alpine playground. From the edelweiss blooming on the slopes of Brockett to the refreshing crystal pools of the lower gorges, mid-summer offers a rare window of golden weather and high-country splendor. For Sarah, this was the perfect opportunity to
just go exploring the Tararua Range – to venture off the beaten track. Joined by two friends, she set out on a three-day mission to bag some unclimbed summits and tick off a few huts, soaking in a landscape that felt more like a sub-alpine meadow than a rugged mountain range.

Exploring the Tararua Range

In mid to late summer the Tararuas are at their vibrant best. Flowers brighten the higher-level slopes—there are meadows of edelweiss particularly about Brockett and Table Ridge—and there are many more juicy snowberries to be picked than anyone could possibly eat. Butterflies and grasshoppers flutter and jump about. The rivers are warm enough for gorge trips or just fun swimming—and all the while the sun is shining from a clear blue sky with barely a cloud in sight. Surely time to go exploring the Tararua Range.

So it was that Sarah thought it time to just go exploring the Tararua Range, to climb to the top of a few unclimbed peaks, and stay at some unvisited huts. She set off with two friends on a 3 day trip.

Day one was a pleasant hike on a well trodden route over Mitre and along the ridge to Dorset Ridge Hut for the night,

Day 2 was a bit more adventurous – along Tarn Ridge to Pt 1313 then down a spur with a recently cut and marked track to the Waingawa River, Then down the river to Arete Forks Hut.

Day 3 was a climb up Table Ridge, over Mitre again and back to the Pines. 

If you enjoyed reading the story you may like an account of my trip to Maungahuka Hut – plus there is a gallery of Tararua Range photos at https://www.tararuaphotos.com/