Mt Harper

This trip up through the Ashburton Gorge towards Erewhon was to a completely new area for everyone on the trip. Toine, Geoff, Sarah, Murray and I all were rather impressed by the huge open valleys and sharp craggy peaks of this 'big sky' country.

Mt Harper reflected in the waters of Lake Roundabout

Our trip began with a bee line from the car to the ridge of choice (through a swamp). Over an hour and lots of cursing later, we began up the steep spur in the warm sunshine.

Muddling our way throught the 'Swamp of dispair'

Geoff and the Mt Taylor Range

As we climbed, the wind steadily increased and the clouds darkend above. Once we gained the main ridge, it was extremely windy, so we paused down the side of the hill to eat, hydrate and to change into storm gears.

Toine on the summit slopes of Harper

Fortunately, the weather remained constantly cold and windy during our ascent to the summit. Amazing views abounded up the Rangitata headwaters; Mt D'Archiac and her neighbouring summits looked incredibly rugged. the Arrowsmith range poked its head up to the north, and back to the west, we could see the Port hills and the Pacific Ocean.

Chucky, Toine, Geoff, Sarah and Murray on the Summit



Arrowsmith Range


Chucky all rugged up :)

Descending the broad SW ridge

Murray admires the Two Thumb range and Rangitata Headwaters


The descent was very mellow, down rolling tops then a little more steeply to Balcamaan saddle. From here, we had a 7km stroll back down the valley, avoiding the swamp and to our cars via head lamp.

Chucky at Balcamaan Saddle

Sunset over Mt Taylor (2330m)

A 9hr round trip, 19km long and with 1390m of vertical.