Kelly Hill, Arthurs Pass NP

The weather wasn't qutie as good as during yesterday's ascent of Mt Aicken, but the thick cloud cover didn't drop any rain on us.

Crossing a little side stream

Most of the way to Carrol Hut, Otira Valley below

We climbed steeply through some very 'Tararua' bush until we met the subalpine scrub and began to sidle our way westwards. A few views between clouds began to appear, mostly of the Otira valley and surrounding peaks.

We took about 1h45m to reach Carroll hut, and sheltered ourselves from the cool breeze whilst having a wee bite to eat.

Lunch time at Carroll Hut

Checking out the view towards the Taipo River Valley

After lunch we went on a little wander up toward Kelly Saddle and onwards to the NW for views into the Taipo watershed. We had a little Nana nap under the shelter of a few rocks before making a bee line for the summit of Kelly Hill.

Chucky working hard..

Julie at the TV mast on top of Kelly Hill

Cloud enveloped us periodically at the summit, but we were able to get some great views back toward Arthurs Pass as we descended slightly.

Descending back toward Carroll Hut

Julie found an 'Australia' shaped rock on the descent

Negotiating the steep bush track back to camp

Cheif chef Chucky

Mt Aicken, Arthurs Pass NP

Had a great day climb of Mt Aicken with my friend Julie from Australia. She came over for a short visit and the south Island put on 2 fantastic weather days from 3 for us to get out and get up some great peaks.

Julie overlooking the head of the Devlis Punchbowl Stream

Mt Aicken has a reasonably steep but well formed track through to the bushline. On a nearly cloudless day, we sweated uphill to ever more amazing views.

Reaching the bushline

Battling the scree's and tussock

Well above the bushline, the ridge steepend and became a lot more narrow. To my delight, there were plenty of narrow scrambly sections that could be climbed directly. Though most could be sidled around without too much difficulty, taking the direct route made for some very fun scrambling.

Scrambling past a narrow section of ridge

Looking along the the last section of ridge through to Mt Aicken

Chucky traverses the ridge

On the summit we enjoyed great views to

the Craigieburn Range, Mt Franklin and Mt Oates

Enjoying the shady Beech forest on descent


Taking time for a celebratory glass of chateau cardboard with dinner