Hi,
I’d agree with the above comments. Tragedy Col is a serious proposition, even for experienced trampers. It should be seen as more of a mountaineering pass than a tramping pass. The route on the Dobson side is complex and dangerous.
Most passes in the Ohau region are serious undertakings and many require basic mountaineering skills. I’d suggest doing valley trips with side trips.
1) Ahuriri: Canyon Creek (1-2 days); camp at the head of the Valley and scramble up the peak above the Sth Temple/Ahuriri/South Huxley crossing point (obvious on map) (3 days)
2) Huxley Valley exploration: Nth Branch of the Huxley and day trip to Broderick Pass, South Branch of Huxley to head of valley (very spectacular, a scree pass north of Mt Huxley may be a viable day trip) and return.
3) Head of the Hopkins (2 days each way) with a day trip up the western slopes of Tragedy Col (easy if no snow, avalanche prone if snow covered). A day trip to cullers Biv allowing experienced trampers to scramble up the easiest line on Dasler Pinnacles would be a highlight.
The area is best visited after the peak of the spring/summer melt (varies from year to year). Rivers lowest in Autumn but prone to flood with any norwester. Significant avalanche risk may occur in the upper valleys into late December, depending on the season and avalanche tracks into the valleys may be active into mid spring (so watch where you camp).
That said, its a beautiful area and well worth a visit. The valleys are easy travel and well tracked. The forest is appealing and the mountains are beautiful.
Hope that helps.
Geoff
