Tramping in NZ is wicked steep too: Arthur's Pass

Within the next few days we found ourselves heading toward the west coast, with a stopover at Arthur's Pass. Up Avalanche Peak, across a ridge, and down a scree slope to stay at our first NZ backcountry hut.

Up, up up to Avalanche Peak in Arthur's Pass.

Lord of the Rings style scenery. Directions on the map: follow the ridge until you see the hut at the bottom of the river valley and a huge scree slope leading all the way down. But beware of false scree slopes leading off to sheer cliffs, as the scree is so steep that it's hard, if not impossible, to go back up.


Ohh, that's not the right descent!

The right one...The monstrous scree slope from the bottom. Notice Amy in the bottom right corner.

Magnificent view.

After hiking for hours in a remote setting, it's a wonderful thing to come upon a backcountry hut. Richard and I bought annual passes for cheap, so we can stay in any of the 800-some huts like this throughout the country. A safe refuge from all the sand flies!

The inside of Crow Hut. An "older hut" (though only built 5 years ago), that has platforms instead of bunks. On crowded nights you get to spoon with everyone. There were only three of us on this particular night.

Hiking out along the riverbed. Finally some flat walking.