Ahurirri Valley MTB

An overnight MTB tour up the Ahurirri Valley. Initially the going was easy up the 4WD tracks, but once past Canyon creek, we had to work a little harder, make a few river crossings and hunt out the vauge vehicle tracks.

On arriving at Hagen's Hut, we found it occupied. Those in situ really didn't seem that keen to share so rather than make a scene, we kept going up the much much rougher track towards Top Hut.

The going wasn't much fun and the weather was turning, so we were very pleased to make it an hour later just before dark.

Next day dawned grey, but soon turned to sun.

Getting ready at the Ahurirri road end

Easy riding in the lower valley on 4WD tracks

Getting rougher above Canyon creek


A little bike carrying just before Top Hut

Dinner time at Top Hut

Sunset over Mt Barth

This kitchen needs attention...

Grey day for the return journey

And then the sun comes out!

Sawyers Stream, Mt Cook NP

Grant had partially descended this Canyon with some friends about a year earlier, but they chose to abandon the descent due to high water conditions.

Today the water looked a lot lower than Grant remembered, so we were all keen to possibly make the first complete descent.

It was quite a short canyon, but extremely beautiful. Back to back waterfalls up to 25m, a jump or two, super solid rock and gorgeous pools.. So beautiful infact, that we did another lap ;0)

Grant climbing steep slopes above Unwin Hut

Upper Sawyers Valley, before dropping off the ridge

It begins! Perfect, solid, carved Greywacke

Rope!

Toine bridges on the first pitch


The canyon had an impressive feeling of steepness and commitment


Part way through a 6m jump, mid canyon


Gorgeous pools, back to back drops

Grant, off to scout another pool for our keen (crazy) jumper..

Grant and Toine, havin a ball..

Penultimate Pitch

On our way through the 15 minute boulder scramble at the end


Practising partner rescues in Unwin Hut