Hi,

I’m organising a trip for the Christmas holidays to the Garden of Eden Ice Plateau, Godley Glacier and (hopefully) Tasman Glacier. Three weeks. It will take some organising with a food drop etc so I’m keen to finalise the list of people sooner rather than later.

The likely route is: Erewhon River, Clyde River, McCoy Glacier, McCoy Col, Lyell Glacier, Rangitata Col, Francis Glacier, Lambert Col, Garden of Allah, Garden of Eden, Great Unknown, Redfield Stream, Scone Hut (collect food) Bettison Stream, Dennistoun Pass, Hidden Col, Godley Glacier, Sealy Pass, Scone Hut (collect more food) Perth Valley, Whataroa Valley, Whymper Hut, Whymper Glacier, Whataroa Saddle, Classen Glacier, Classen Saddle, Murchison Glacier, Tasman Saddle, Tasman Glacier (and back to civilisation!). Escape routes are: down the Rangitata, down the Rakaia, down the Wanganui, Down the Perth/Whataroa, Down the Murchison.

It should be a great trip with some of the character of the Olivines trip from last summer and will traverse some of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

However travel will be fairly remote, rugged and much of it on glaciers. You will need AIC or equivalent experience and should be psychologically and physically prepared for wild and remote terrain. Expect frequent camping on glaciers above 1600m and some camps could be as high as 2400m.

Preferably no more than 6 people. Possible for people to join the second and third legs of the trip.

Cheers

Geoff