Mts Malita & Meares, Nelson, 17 August 2024

Panoramic views and a rustic hut were our reward for a gut-busting climb of an outlier peak on the fringes of Nelson’s mineral belt. Mt Malita is a popular destination for local walkers, far off the tourist radar. Sunday had a dismal forecast, so Ray...

Porter Rocks, Abel Tasman NP, 11 August 2024

It was a small group of seven who met at the Badminton Hall in Richmond planning to depart for Canaan Downs by 8.30am. Fortunately we had been spared a frost that morning., and the forecast was for a fine sunny day…perfect. BUT……one of the group made a...

Flora - Gordons Pyramid - Cloustons circuit, Kahurangi NP, 4 Aug 2024

It was a gorgeous fine morning in Nelson as we assembled early and drove to Flora Saddle. There was very little snow or wind but chilly as we started up the excellent track to Mt Arthur Hut, having decided to do the circuit clockwise. It was soon...

Booths Cottage - Glenhope Scenic Reserve, Nelson Lakes NP, 27 July 2024

Sunday’s weather forecast looked dark and wet, so we shifted our walk to Saturday, a sunny, windless day. Three cars rendezvoused at St Arnaud, then drove up the graveled road into Howard Valley. Ray noted how the pine forest had been harvested since...

Mid-Winter Xmas at Waiuta Lodge, West Coast, 27 July 2024.

The Hokitika Tramping Club is the newest tramping club in the country, and it came as a surprise to receive an invitation to their Mid-winter Xmas at Waiuta Lodge near Reefton. We checked Waiuta Lodge on the DOC site. It had a fully equipped kitchen...