It is approximately 10.00 AM when our small team of 7 are ready to depart from Flora carpark and venture into Kahurangi’s Tablelands Circuit. The weather is forecasted to be chilly but we are well equipped and prepared to brave the 28 km route.
We begin with a short climb through dense bush, which gradually transforms into a wonderful scenery of native bush and scattered alpine Dracphyllum trees, comparable to the artworks of Dr Seuss.
Above the bushline the circuit reveals a stunning opening, with grand views of Golden Bay and Nelson.
We continue on to Mt Arthur hut, and decide to stop for a short break. Michele, Lea and Mike are keen to side trip onto Mt Arthur’s summit. We decide to split and meet up at Salisbury Lodge.
The team of three begins the steady climb up Mt Arthur, which shy’s its face behind dense clouds. We hesitate to go on. It is already 2 PM, the sun sets in 3 hours, and we have a big climb ahead. The clouds have begun to spit a cold drizzle onto our faces. We decide to give a try and turn back if the weather degenerates.
Halfway up to Mount Arthur, the wind picks up, turning the slight drizzle into stings which render our faces numb.
A quick check, we’re all keen to push on. We cover as much skin as possible in order to finalize the climb to the top.
We make it with rewarding views of England (a.k.a. dense white clouds ...). But we are proud of our effort, and eager to work our way back down to join the others at Salisbury Lodge.
We embark on the Gordons Pyramid route down to our home for the night. As we enter the final bush section before Salisbury Open, the sun has already begun to disappear beyond the horizon. We switch on our headlamps. Finally, the forest becomes sparser and an open tussock plateau is revealed. We have arrived at Salisbury Lodge.
Day 2: We wake up fresh and ready to explore the surrounding areas. We set out for a short 3 km circuit of the Potholes track featuring a series of curious meteor like holes dug deep into the ground. We check out the nearby cave, and decide to keep the exploration for another time, for lack of proper equipment.
We enjoy a quick tea break and re-heat back at Salisbury Lodge, put on our packs, and set off for the journey home.
The 4-wheel-drive track is relatively easy, giving us time to chat and exchange while enjoying a symphony of Tui and Bellbird calls.
We stop by the ‘adult sized tree houses’ of growler, upper and lower gridiron rock shelters along the way, a quick stop at Flora hut, and we’re back to where it all began ...
Team: Peter Phipps, Diane Varey, Joe Tiller, Kim Eunhee Mike Drake, Lea Mellon (scribe) and Michele Cunningham (trip leader)
