Tag: lakes/rivers/creeks

The Apprentice from Lewis Pass, Canterbury/West Coast NZ

An extension of the popular Lewis Tops Route to climb The Apprentice (1678m), with grand views in all directions.

My second time up onto the Lewis Tops, but this time in late winter, and with an extension to climb The Apprentice (1678m). Great views of Mt Technical, the Maruia River, One Mile Creek, and various glacier carved mountain ranges all around. Snow enhanced the scenery except for the frozen tarns, which arguably look nicer in liquid form. Continue reading “The Apprentice from Lewis Pass, Canterbury/West Coast NZ”

Mt Sunday Track, Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ

Spectacular 360 degree views from the summit of Mt Sunday on this easy 3km round trip in Hakatere Conservation Area.

Mt Sunday is a roche moutonnée on the Rangitata River Flats, and you can climb it on a marked track in less than one hour. I tend to do short walks only if they are on the drive somewhere, but with my mother visiting we (Sophia and me) decided to drive to the Ashburton Lakes district and show her the area. Mt Sunday is not far from the end of the road and so we thought we’d take the opportunity to do this excellent short walk while down that way. There are significant peaks and wide open spaces all around, so you get a lot of views for little effort. Continue reading “Mt Sunday Track, Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ”

Mt Torlesse ascent, Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Canterbury NZ

Spectacular views from Mt Torlesse (1961m), taking in other peaks in the Torlesse Range, including nearby Castle Hill Peak.

Mt Torlesse (1961m) is one of the most prominent mountains on the edge of the Canterbury Plains. I’ve seen it countless times driving past on my way west to other walks, or else from up in the distant Port Hills. After more than three years living in Christchurch it was finally time to climb it, and I picked a cracker of a day. There’s views of other peaks in the Torlesse Range, including a rugged aspect of Castle Hill Peak, and beyond these are peaks in the Craigieburn Range. To the east are the Canterbury Plains, and south-west is your route up. Continue reading “Mt Torlesse ascent, Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Canterbury NZ”

Black Hill Circuit, Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ

This long walk to Black Hill (2067m) via Turtons Saddle offers seriously good views of the Rakaia River and countless mountains in all directions.

I’d had Black Hill (2067m) in mind for spring, with longer days and maybe a bit of snow left to enhance the look of these bare hills. But needing a plan B one mid-winter weekend, I decided to take a chance on this long walk in the snow. And what a walk it was. The views for the middle half were just spectacular, featuring the Rakaia River and more distant tributaries, the Wilberforce and Mathias Rivers, and countless snowy high peaks in all directions. Some of the best views I’ve seen in the Canterbury Foothills. Continue reading “Black Hill Circuit, Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ”

Mt Lyndon Cloudy Hill Traverse, Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Canterbury NZ

A traverse of Mt Lyndon (1489m) & Cloudy Hill (1442m), with beautiful views of Lake Lyndon, & of impressive mountain ranges in all directions.

This is a fun traverse (or else return trip) taking in Mt Lyndon (1489m) and Cloudy Hill (1442m), in Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park. It offers excellent views of Lake Lyndon, and of many mountains in all directions. The lighting in winter was nice, accentuating the creases in the various ridges and spurs of the Torlesse and Craigieburn Ranges.

Continue reading “Mt Lyndon Cloudy Hill Traverse, Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Canterbury NZ”

Kelly Range Tarns, Arthur’s Pass National Park NZ

Multiple attractive tarns and mountain views on this walk up onto the Kelly Range via Carroll Hut, in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Most of my favourite walks involve climbing a named peak for epic views. But an always worthy alternative is to visit a cluster of mountain tarns, and the Kelly Range has some real beauties. There are excellent views along the way, and continuing on a bit past the tarns to point 1363m will top it all off with big views of Tara Tama and the Taipo Valley.  Continue reading “Kelly Range Tarns, Arthur’s Pass National Park NZ”

Ageobong 악어봉 / Crocodile Peak, Woraksan 월악산, South Korea

A short but steep hike to exceptional views of Chungju-ho Lake from Ageobong / Crocodile Peak (442m). Take your camera.

My brother in law recommended this short but steep walk to Ageobong / Crocodile Peak for on our drive back from a day out in Woraksan National Park. It was totally worth the hour or so walking (return) for the spectacular views of Chungju-ho (Lake), and the various peninsulas that jut out, looking like crocodiles in the water and giving the peak its name. Continue reading “Ageobong 악어봉 / Crocodile Peak, Woraksan 월악산, South Korea”

Jebibong Peak 제비봉, Woraksan 월악산 National Park, South Korea

Just moderate effort will get you up Jebibong Peak, with spectacular views of Chungju-ho Lake, mountains, cliffs & forest along the way.

This walk up Jebibong Peak in Woraksan National Park was a plan B for us, but unded up being a real gem. For just moderate effort in less than half a day you get spectacular views of Chungju-ho Lake, the largest in South Korea, surrounded by mountains, cliffs and lush forest. Continue reading “Jebibong Peak 제비봉, Woraksan 월악산 National Park, South Korea”

Mt Harper and Cairn Hill Circuit, Hakatere Conservation Park NZ

Great views on this circuit visiting Mt Harper (1829m), Cairn Hill (1589m) and Lake Emma in Hakatere Conservation Park.

I first visited Mt Harper / Mahaanui (1829m) in winter, not longer after coming to live in NZ. I very much enjoyed that walk and wanted to visit the Harper Range again. This time I decided on a circuit, climbing Mt Harper from Balmacaan Stream, then returning via Cairn Hill (1589m) and Lake Emma. You get excellent views of the Rangitata River, Ben McLeod Range, Ashburton Lakes area (including Lake Emma of course), and big mountains like Mt Taylor to the north east. Continue reading “Mt Harper and Cairn Hill Circuit, Hakatere Conservation Park NZ”

Mt O’Malley ascent, Arthur’s Pass National Park NZ

Excellent views, a lovely tarn, and a bit of adventure as you make your way through rocky terrain to Mt O’Malley (1703m) in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Mt O’Malley (1703m) is the lesser known neighbour of Mt Aicken, but you don’t compromise on scenery by visiting this peak. You take the same Mt Aicken Track through beech forest to the bushline. From there you soon veer south-east,  travelling on tussock grass at first, but then moving into very rocky terrain. There are rocky ridges and basins to cross, with a very picturesque tarn one of the highlights of the walk. The views from the summit are spectacular and top off yet another excellent walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continue reading “Mt O’Malley ascent, Arthur’s Pass National Park NZ”