The last couple of weeks have been most enjoyable for a number of good outings. Iris was checking out the latest flowers, berries and other fauna & flora subjects: with Christy from the US a quick trip around Diamond lake loop track, also called Rocky Mountain, 775 m with incredible views:
Christy taking in the views at 775 m altitude
one of the best half day excursions near Wanaka
Snow berries, sweet and delicious, gaultheria crassa var.
then off to visit Fern Burn hut in Stacks conservation area in the Motatapu valley, Remarkables next and another visit to Rob Roy glacier cirque with Jean & Bart from the US. Keas in the air, avalanche activity and bird watching plus more edible berries on the treks were all part of great little missions.
Safety is important out there. Here is a site about being SMART on adventures which is advertised by the Department of Conservation. My thought: if you go out there and stay in mountain huts for your alpinism missions, be it alpine climbing, hiking or bird watching, you might as well give the local DoC office your intentions. At least that way there is an indication of how many people stay in the huts … a long subject, so be smart and stay safe.
Diamond lake Rocky Mountain 775 m altitude, views over lake Wanaka on a guided walk, 3-4 hrs return
This morning Iris headed off with one other friend to do some personal trekking in the Greenstone/Caples/Steeple creek area. The weather is perfect for 3 days, which is how long they expect to be out there.
Guided trekking , hiking or walks with Iris is the perfect way to enjoy time whilist staying in the Wanaka area. When Iris gets back from this personal trek, she’ll catch her breath as she has a person arriving for some guided trekking over a couple of days.
You can look forward to some photos of flora, fauna and classic Southern Alps landscapes in a few days.
Come and enjoy the wealth of local knowledge trekking guide Iris knows
Cameron hut and Mount Cook lillies - giant buttercup
Magnificient views on the Rob Roy glacier track
Keas, welcoming you to Rob Roy glacier cirque
Beginning of January and the weather has been outstanding here for at least three weeks, fantastic for all sorts of walks and hiking adventures. Iris has been on her guided trekking excrusions to Rob Roy a couple of times and privately for personal recreation, hiking to Cameron hut and Breast Hill. For more recreation, the Alpinism & Ski team has climbed Sharks Tooth in the Matukituki valley with friends Gordy and Katrin. Also on the program a few sailing excursions on lake Wanaka, perfect alternative to the mountains. Want to join us for some fun? just ask!
Climbing up and up towards Shark's Tooth with brilliant views of Mt Rob Roy
Be it an ascent of one of the beautiful peaks in the Southern Alps or a mountaineering instruction course to learn/refresh alpine climbing skills, Alpinism and Ski offers you our diverse range of mountain guiding services. From short and easy rock climbing on the local Wanaka crags, trekking, hiking and walking around the local hills or to more full on and week long missions on the glaciated terrain, just get in touch to help you organize your next trip.
The youngest and smallest having fun on the rock
A future rock climbing star in the making?
Yesterday, Riverside next to the Motatapu river near Wanaka provided a fantastic venue for an introduction to the sport of rock climbing for long time client and friend Phil melchiors Grand sons. It was also a lovely spot for a family picnic and ‘refreshing’ plunge in the water.
The last month of the year and our Sustainability Statement is now available. Also our latest newsletter is out, check it here and you can sign up for the next one by sending us an email. We promise not to spam you as time outside is too precious! Here some photos from a recent walking adventure, up to Breast Hill above Lake Hawea, a great one day walk unless you go from hut to hut…
high above Lake Hawea
having fun going for a good walk
On the way to Breast Hill: Cameron hut
Manuka, one of the fine smelling native plants of NZ
The purple Bladderwort is found along the lake edge in Wanaka
Native plant of NZ, Matagouri or Wild Irishman
Come on a guided trekking trip, hiking or guided walk with us and you can see right now :
Panakenake and orchid flowers are appearing, ground covering daisies and the amazing vegetable sheep; dark, like wine colored pittosporum flowers have come and gone, also the fragrant Matagari or Wild Irishmen with the amazing thorns shows flowering buds.
We have another announcement with regard to our sustainable business practices: the statement or policy is now available through our website from the home page at the very bottom or from the ‘about us‘ page. This sustainability statement is a growing document, thanks for your patience.
Glorious forest walk: Glacier Burn track
- Mt Avalanche and avalanche glacier
Avalanche Glacier seen from Glacier Burn track
From Wanaka, drive about an hour up the Matukituki valley, cross the first ford, then walk across the first swing bridge and along the valley floor up the Eastern branch. Pass the old homestead, then up the Glacier Burn. Another great day out in Mt Aspiring National Park and spring time is fabulous to watch these healthy farm animals with their young all along the valley. The forest is rich and beautiful, here some more photos
Supposedly a 'false beech', this one just magic
delicious water and delightful mosses
Kio kio, Blechnum capense, part of the edible native plants
It is awesome to be back in Wanaka! Iris had a ski day up at Treble Cone, loved it and plans to get back out soon again. Gary the chief guide and his ski touring and winter mountaineering team Linda, Rob and Kerryn are having some excellent weather in Mt Cook National Park. The Alpinism & Ski climbers bunk room has now a written sustainability tip attached to the towel basket, thanking guests to participate in being environment friendly at the base : not one towel per day – BUT ‘one towel per stay if possible please’.
The local tracks and view points are beautiful as always and the ‘eco’ guided trekking excursions are on offer again, in the immediate areas around Wanaka, the lake and Clutha river, a half day walk in the Matukituki valley exploring the Diamond Lake loop track or a full day trip to Mt Aspiring National Park and Rob Roy glacier cirque.
hiking, trekking, walking, tramping with Alpinism & Ski
Autumn has turned to winter and as everybody is waiting for snow, we are getting ready to leave for alpinism adventures in the European Alps. Still enjoying the fabulous weather, Gary on a mountaineering instruction course in Mt Cook Nat. Park and Iris roaming through the country near Wanaka. Her and friend Lorraine climbed above the clouds to Mt Roy just yesterday.
