Mt Herbert Walkway

After weekend trip to packhorse hut and a little look at the map, I hatched the idea to find a suitably crazy buddy to run from Gebbies pass to Diamond Harbour via Mt Bradley and Mt Herbert (the highest point on Banks Peninsula). Steph came to mind as the most suitable (crazy) but she was working on the thursday evening earmarked for the trip.

Found an equally crazy buddy in Murray, who jumped at the chance to make the run.

The weather was simply perfect as we dropped off cars at Gebbies pass and shuffled ourway upwards. Despite leaving the cars after 6pm, it was still very warm when we popped out from the forestry onto the tussock slopes beneath Packhorse hut.

Murray high above the Kaituna Valley

Above packhorse hut the tracks relentless switchbacks beat us down to a walking pace and we stopped to 'admire the view' on several occaisons. All of Lake Ellesmere as well as a hint of Akaroa was visible.

Once we began sidling Mt Bradley, we encountered a sustained section of gorse that was very unpleasant to go through. The track was still there, but there was no way you could avoid being stuck. Better than going straight through the gorse, but not by a lot..

Gorse!

Once past the shoulder of Mt Bradley we emerged from the gorse and were able to see back towards Lyttleton Harbour and began admiring the tiny looking port hills from an unusual angle.

Chucky enjoys the view (and is glad to be done with the gorse)

We paused at the day shelter for a quick bite, sharing our rest spot with dozens of butterflies and a setting sun.

Mt Herbert Walkway Day shelter

The final grind up to the Summit of Mt Herbert wasn't too bad, but we were relieved to have finished the 900m uphill for the day..

Chucky on the summit of Mt Herbert, 920m

All that remained was to enjoy the dusk lightshow as we hopped down the farm track to Diamond harbour, arriving at our cars shortly after dusk.

Murray pauses to look over Lyttleton

Run Stats
16km
900m climb, 1000m descent
3h15 including stops