We've had a few still and beautiful bluebird days over the last month. On one of these days a quick overnighter up to the summit of Mt Owen the highest peak in the Kahurangi National Park at 1875m was called for. After a cold start at Courthouse Flat we warmed up quickly with the first unrelenting uphill up the ridge, and were rewarded with lovely mountain views to the north. From here in we were rewarded with very lush varied vegetation that constantly changed as we gained elevation and unusual rock formations. Once above Granity Pass Hut (nestled in the valley) we wandered around on the tussock plateau exploring the tarns dotted around and trying not to get wet feet. We were very fortunate to have only a slight breeze in mid afternoon which faded away to complete stillness at sunset. The tarns at the base of the summit were stunning in the stillness and bathed in tones of orangey gold. The Mt Owen summit was fairly quick from there, and quite fun to explore with the rock crevices and tight routes to the top. With no wind and panoramic 360 degree views at the top with not a patch of cloud we could see all the surrounding ranges. With the days being short we soon headed back to campsite and got back on dusk and settled in for a chilly night. The next day was very settled, although the next front was rolling in and there was a bit of cloud cover. We packed up and made good time back, observing three friendly kea (very happy they left our tent alone during the night) and 19 chamois on the way back. Would recommend waiting for exceptional weather for this one, as it is very exposed at the top. It would be highly unpleasant in bad weather and you'd miss out on enjoying the lovely terrain and views.
A while ago I explored the Arthurs Pass area with my good friend Dulkara, we walked up the Taramaku River, bush bashed through the thick & steep bush up to the open tops where we spent three days traversing the ridges. On the second afternoon, after lots of up and down ridge-line scrambling we approached Lake Morgan...
Camp Stream Hut, a historic musterers hut on the Te Araroa trail near Tekapo with Roundhill in the background. A magical place to visit, especially in the late afternoon although once the sun falls it becomes bitterly cold. On this particular trip the walk out was sodden with snow melt and my feet lost feeling in the last main river. Brr…
Inspired by an almost dreamlike trip along ridge lines, past Lake Morgan and to the top of Mt O’Shanessy the painting is slowly taking shape. I really wanted to capture those warm, golden, summer West Coast rays that you...
