Adventure Magazine

"Trip gradings are meant only as a
very generalised guide, and plenty
more detailed research is necessary
if you want to understand what
conditions you may encounter."
Ilva crossing the Goulter river towards the end of a big 5-day tramp
Blister a badge of honour after conquering Roys Peak
Cold trampers emerging from Gillespie pass track with surrounding
hills snow-capped
Ingrid enjoying the tranquility of Te Waihou Springs
It is popular. Most walkers stop just below the summit on the
eastern side and queue up for the now famous selfie from the
top of a small ridge, with the sparkling blue Lake Wanaka as a
backdrop. Amazingly, many folks miss out on the 360-degree
views from the summit, only about 200 metres further up. The
view of the Southern Alps from here must be one of the most
unique spectacles anywhere in New Zealand. To the northwest
the wide, meandering Matukituki river valley leads its way to a
mass of ice-topped peaks, dominated by the 3,033 metre Mt
Aspiring/Tititea. To the south the slopes of the Crown Range
and Pisa Range look deceptively gentle compared to these
rugged peaks to the west.
But this is no amble along the banks of the Te Waihou.
“Suitable for mountain biking”. Who are they kidding? Downhill
maybe. After a helicopter ride to the summit. No way can it
be described as pushchair or toddler friendly. The trail begins
almost as soon as you step out of the carpark alongside the
main highway. It starts with a climb. In fact, apart from a small
section within sight of the top, and a 50-metre section midway,
it literally does not stop climbing for 8 kilometres. Te Waihou
Springs it is not.
Admittedly it is a 4WD track with plenty of switchbacks, but be
prepared to surmount 1,239 metres, one step at a time. It’s
hardly Mt Aspiring but come prepared with water and food,
as even for those with reasonable fitness will feel some pain.
I have witnessed a reasonably experienced tramper decide
to stop halfway to “enjoy a leisurely morning tea” and to “take
in the views” and meet us on our return. I have also seen
some impressive heel blisters. Let’s just say that wearing new
footwear is unwise.
In summer this east-facing track will get hot, especially if there
is no breeze, and there are no water-stops. But with the peak
summiting at 1,559 metres, it can become very windy and cold
at the top.
And then there is descending. Losing a toenail is a very
painful way to find out your shoes are a tad too small, or
not appropriate for a continuous 8km descent on tired legs.
Compensating these issues, you do get to enjoy looking out
at the view all the way down. And then, within 15 minutes of
starting the car engine, you can be in Wanaka supping on a
cool, cleansing ale and munching on some hot chips, while
enjoying the view of the lake and Roy’s Peak in the distance.
OK, so maybe my comments have been a little tongue in
cheek. Trip gradings are meant only as a very generalised
guide, and plenty more detailed research is necessary if
you want to understand what conditions you may encounter.
Obviously, doing the homework before venturing into the
wilderness will significantly improve your experience.
Regardless, with summer here, it’s time to get out there - as
we say, “actions speak ……”
I chose to use Backcountry, Jetboil, Macpac and Keen products
APPLY AT NEWCOPS.GOVT.NZ
BE IN YOUR ELEMENT.
BECOME A COP.
Senior Constable | New Zealand Police
Experienced Tramper
Southern District
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