[Tony Gazley]

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.

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

Sarah (centre) and friends preloading before the trip

On the summit of Mitre

Edelweiss on Brockett

Dorset Ridge tarn – reflecting on the journey ahead

Dorset Ridge Hut for the night

Tarn Ridge Hut with a DOC warning – but perfectly habitable anyway

Starting down the spur into the Waingawa River from Pt 1313 on Tarn Ridge – a bit of a gamble that paid off

Sarah and friends at Arete Forks Hut

[Harry Atkinson]

Heya !

Great work – did you stay at Tarn Ridge hut? How bad was it (we are thinking of going in a few weeks).

Cheers

[Tony G]

We didn’t stay overnight – but would have been happy to if needed. The only slightly unpleasant issue is mostly mouldy mattresses – but you’ll find some that are ok (or use your own Thermarest). The hut itself is reasonably dry inside at the mo. People are still using it so don’t be put off by the DOC Alert.

[Author]

Posts