Itinerary:
This is a demanding 10 – 12 day expedition in a very remote area. You can expect some type of epic flood/starvation/exhaustion/survival challenge. Then there is the social challenge every submariner knows of getting along with smelly people in an enclosed space for extended periods under stress, with depth charges, avalanches, major storms whatever. Don’t sign up unless you have got it in you. My violin weighs too much to bring so unfortunately I won’t be playing along. This trip will be good experience if considering lengthy expeditions overseas at some stage.
There are several grade 1 or 2 peaks to climb, not overly technical but you will need to be fit.
Day 1- Arrive Paradise, drive or hike up to Chinaman’s bluff, spend night at Daleys Flat Hut.
Day 2 – Up Desperation Pass and on the Barrier Range. Ascend Mt Watkins and Steffanson Peak. Descend to Derivation Neve.
Day 3 – Over Mt Gates, camp Blockade Stream
Day 4 – On the Plateau, climb Mt Climax, Mt Destiny, descend to Forgotten River Col to rock bivvy.
Day 5 – Descend to Forgotten/Olivine Confluence
Day 6 – Bush bash to Olivine Ledge
Day 7 – Over Fohn Saddle and down to Beans Burn confluence with Dart, walk out to Paradise and car connection
Allow 3 additonal days for bad weather sitting in tents.
Trip Leader – Byron Harvey
Gear required: You will need a light crevasse rescue kit and training and experience in crevasse travel. Also, access to a 4 season tent and preparation for the very worst weather NZ has to offer. Semi rigid boots, crampons, one axe, helmet, light rope, food and fuel for 10 days at least. This is going to weigh a lot – train with a 30+kg pack to be realistic. A lot of lightly built packs will break under that load.
Plan B: Trips to the Olivine are notorious for being cut short or cancelled due to bad weather and parties getting lost. If we abandon it half way then we might consider a nearby hike in the Rees/Dart areas or climb of Mt Aspiring or Darrans peak.
Questions: If you have any questions about the trip, feel free to contact Bryron Harvey or [email protected]
