Temple Valleys Circuit, Ruataniwha CP

A very enjoyable weekend, just north of Lake Ohau. The tramp goes up the North Temple Valley, climbs steeply over Gunsight Pass, then descends the longer South Temple back to the carpark.

It was clear, but quite cold on the Saturday. The temp was only 5 degrees at the carpark, with fresh snow on the tops. The travel up valley was pleasant and easy, until we reached the impressive North Temple Cirque.

We shared lunch with a Karearea (NZ Falcon) in the feeble sun, before beginning the climb to the pass. The rock was very loose and unstable, almost like a morraine jumble, making for unpleasant climbing. We were pretty tired during the climb, having plenty of rest stops in more stable sections, however, rock fall usually had us hurrying on.

At the pass we paused for views out to Mt Cook and admired the large herd of Tahr, including one large Bull.

The South Side of the pass sprinkled with some fresh snow, but the frozen scree was what made it sketchy.

Gladly down in main South Temple valley, we had a wonderful evening camping. The sunday was a pleasant stroll down valley, as the clouds came in and the rain fell gently.

Lower (colder) North Temple Valley

Approaching the climb to Gunsight pass (obscured on the left)

Catching some breath on the steep loose climb

Views over the Ben Ohau Range and onwards to Aoraki/Mt Cook NP.

Descending steep scary frozen screes on the south side of Gunsight Pass

Steeple Peak (L) in South Temple Valley

Pip leaving camp on sunday morning

Easy travel in the South Temple

Mt Technical West Ridge Grade 1+, Lewis Pass

Following hot on the heels of an article in Wilderness Magazine, a favourable weather forecast saw Murray, Andrew and I heading up to Deer Valley campground on Saturday afternoon.

The weather was terrible during the drive, but at 5am the next morning, only a light drizzle fell. As we climbed the light came and the drizzle went.

We emerged above the bushline to a bluebird day, with just a light westerly.

There was quite a bit of ridge to tramp before we got to the start of the scrambling route on Mt Technical. The climbing wasn't hard, but the exposure was enough that it kept us focussed. Most gendarmes could be sidled, but the occaisonal one had to be climbed directly. This was definately a climbing route and not a tramping route; most of the time a slip would result in death.

But the rock was generally very solid and the route kept progressing without any major problems. We were all very pleased and releived to be at the summit, where we enjoyed a great view and a bite to eat.

There was an easy route off the summit; an easy scree that lead almost directly to the top. Only the top 30m or so required concentration on the loose rock. We hiked the south screes back to the west ridge, climbed up and over at a spot we'd noted earlier.

The weather remained perfect and out of the wind it was deliciously warm. A fantastic climb, 10hrs car to car, noting that we moved quite slowly and carefully on the west ridge.

Clouds fill Cannibal Gorge from above Lewis Pass summit

Murry and Mt Technical

West ridge is on the right, with the meat of

the climb obscured by the North Ridge

Looking out to Springs Junction,

The Victoria Range and even the Paparoas in the far distance

Starting to get nice and scrambly

Andrew climbs a pinnacle directly

About to traverse round a block

Not hard climbing, but exposed enough to count..

Murray on the Summit Ridge, our route behind him on the skyline

Descending the easy summit scree
Trig visible at the top

Wandering home above the Maruia Valley

Andrew about to descend back to the Highway