The Pyramid, Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ
Views of the Southern Alps and nearby Mt Potts on this off-track walk up The Pyramid (1748m), in Hakatere Conservation Park.
The big walk up Mt Potts was one of our favourites, and along the way you get views of The Pyramid (1748m). This peak is an easier alternative, but is entirely off track, so still not a beginner’s walk. Views of the Southern Alps are excellent, as are views of the southern face of Mt Potts. The long approach over mostly tussock is not so interesting however, and takes the sheen off the overall walking experience.
The Pyramid (1748m) on the left, with Mt Potts behind. We roughly followed the fenceline from the Potts River, but keeping away maybe 10-20m from the fence avoids most of the matagouri. The Southern Alps from the summit of The Pyramid (1748m). The Clyde and Havelock Rivers flow into the Rangitata here. As I was looking at these mountains across the river I thought, it would be good to climb one of those, only to remember that we have – Black Mountain, centre left. Mt Potts from the summit. Mt Potts left, and other unnamed peaks above 2000m on the right.
This video from the summit shows off the views a bit better than my photos:
On our way down to meet the ridge for a slightly more picturesque return route. It took me a few metres to get going, but I was able to ski down some slopes just on my boots. Skis are for losers. Some of the Ashburton lakes on the right, and Mt Guy centre-left. Powerhouse Stream Lots of tussock.
Track Notes
A quite long approach through mostly tussock, with patches of matagouri to avoid. Taking the ridge next to Powerhouse Stream is more picturesque and generally easier walking, although we followed the dotted line on the way up as it looked more direct.
You can park by the side of the road near the bridge over the Potts River. From there roughly follow the fenceline on the border of private land, keeping wide of the fence to avoid patches of matagouri. At the corner of the fence you can head gradually upwards towards The Pyramid, crossing a couple of streams along the way. Taking the ridge next to Powerhouse Stream is more picturesque and generally easier walking, although we followed the dotted line on the way up as it looked more direct. The summit area is flat and you can wander to the northern end for extra views.
