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 apparent there was fast pack and a smaller slow pack but we all met up at the hut, some sunning themselves sleeveless.

Heading up the Mt Arthur track

On we went through the lovely herb gardens at the start of the ridge track to Mt Arthur and then up the steeper eroded part. Soon (or some not so soon) we were at the junction of the track to the Tablelands and heading down into Horseshoe basin. There was a little more snow and the track was icey in parts but no need for the crampons that we carried without use all day.

Lincoln on the Gordons Pyramid ridge

The karst basin was interesting as always but no stopping as we started up the undulating part of the track running under Mt Arthur. The conditions were still excellent for winter with little wind. The lunch stop was in cool sunshine at the steep little pitch on the ridge. There was only patchy snow, even higher up. The Dracophyllum on nearby slopes was very attractive in winter red.

Looking down track towards Cloustons

There were grand views over to Mt Arthur back to our left and Lodestone, Crusader, Hoary Head on our right.

Then we slogged up the long final ridge to Gordons Pyramid.

The fast pack were well ensconced in the lee of the summit when the slow pack arrived.

The team on Summit of Gordons Pyr

The afternoon was getting on so it was agreed the fast pack would head down without any further waits. The descent on the track through tussock/snowgrass to Cloustons Mine was very attractive in the clear afternoon light. Then we were back in bush with the long track down into the valley in generally good condition. Eventually we reached the main Flora track. Late in the day, this 4wd road seemed interminable but finally we reached Flora Hut for a short break. It was dusk for the slow pack and they needed headlamps for the last section over the saddle and back to Flora carpark. The fast pack had arrived 2 hours earlier and most had departed in Graeme’s vehicle. Chris was obliged to wait in Pat’s vehicle and so he was rather cold. However, everyone agreed it had been a grand day out under ideal conditions for winter. The circuit is about 21 km, with a lot of height gain/loss so any weaknesses in fitness are soon revealed.

Participants: Pat (leader & scribe), Andrea, Chris, Graeme, Janey, Mike, Peter, Visitors: Helen and Lincoln.