Sunday 14 May 2017 – (Half of) Curtis Ridge A stunning no–wind morning greeted the eight of us at Stratford Plateau at 7:30 a.m. The objective was to ascend Curtis Ridge, visiting Fanthams Peak, then return via Kapuni Lodge, Kapuni Stream and Wilkies Pools.  This being a summer trip the early arrival of ice higher on the ridge meant an alternative adventure was likely.  Progress up the ‘closed’ Curtis Ridge track was surprisingly good and we reached the Priests Fingers (1580m) by 9 a.m.  A short explore further up the ridge was followed by the decision to drop directly into […]

By Chris Hayes, with editing by Lucy Blackbourn It’s September, and Jason and I are in the Gorges Du Verdon with every intent of enjoying the fine French limestone. Of course, we want to jump on a classic Verdon multi pitch, so we look through the guidebook and find one; 160m, grades all inside our abilities, and relatively easy access. Sounds perfect. To get to the climb, we have to walk about 50m from the road to the gorge rim, find the rappel anchor, and rappel down to the starting ledge. It took us nearly two hours of wandering around […]

Sat 22 April 2017 – (Not) Bobs Knob/Bluff via Ihaia Track With sunrise peeking above the horizon and a cloudy mountain ahead, ten of us set off from the end of Ihaia Road at 7.15am with our target set on Bob’s Knob (1,780m) and perhaps Bob’s Bluff (1,960m). The track was a tad muddy (to say the least) and with a few streams to cross, it was definitely a ‘gaiter day’! After a quick snack and obligatory loo stop at Waiaua Gorge Hut we continued the upwards slog through winding bush, past a few adjacent drop offs & slips, and a decent view of […]