Intro:
Gloriana Peak – Spenser Mountains
Many of the Spenser mountains are named after characters in Edmund Spenser’s epic poem, The Faerie Queene. Gloriana represents Queen Elizabeth I, embodying the ideal of a virtuous and glorious ruler. While she doesn’t appear directly in the narrative, her influence is pervasive, and she serves as the inspiration for the knights’ quests and the poem’s overarching themes.
This trip is for budding knights of the CMC, whose quest is to conquer many glorious peaks of the Southern Alps.
Leader: Jamie Macalister
Date: 8-10 August
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Friday 8th August): Depart Chch by 6PM, drive to Deer Valley Campsite and set up camp for the night. (2.5hrs driving. Will arrange carpooling via WhatsApp group in advance. Everyone will be encouraged to carpool so people can share the driving on the way home).
Day 2: Hike to Ada Pass Hut and from here ascend to tarns at around 1,600m. Set up camp for the night (likely in the snow). Expecting an 8-hour day.
Day 3: Early start, climb Gloriana Peak via remainder of ‘Ada Pass Route’. Return to camp, pack up and walk out the way we came. Drive back to Chch in same cars people arrived in. Expecting a 12-hour day plus 2.5 hours driving. Aim to start by 5AM, back to cars by 5PM, back to Chch by 8PM. Planned turnaround time for summit bid is 9AM.
How many participants you are willing to lead – Strive to give you this number plus a few more for cancellations:
Maximum of 6 unless I can find a trip co-leader.
Previous experience required:
Participants must have either completed an Introduction to Mountaineering course or have climbed at least three Grade 1 peaks in winter conditions. Participants must have their own personal climbing equipment (ropes and associated gear not required). We will need to make sure there is enough shared equipment within the group (tents, cookers etc).
Sunday will be a long day, and the technical climbing may reach grade 1+ so good fitness and ability to cope with exposure are essential.
Gear required:
Mandatory gear:
Helmet
Ice Axe (walking style)
Stiff hiking boots or mountaineering boot with compatible crampons
Avalanche rescue kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
Overnight camping gear (sleeping mat & sleeping bag)
Plan B:
Postpone to 29-31 August
Questions: If you have any questions about the trip, feel free to contact:
[email protected] or WhatsApp +64 21 918 203
Resources:
Topomap: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-42.266163,172.487497&z=14
ClimbNZ: https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/nelson-lakes/spenser-mountains/gloriana-pk/ada-pass-route
Blog articles: https://ctc.org.nz/index.php/trip-reports?goto=tripreports/828
https://wtmc.org.nz/trip-report/a-fairytale-climb-of-gloriana-peak-spenser-mountains/
Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Una/forecasts/2300
https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-2188401/New%20Zealand/Canterbury/Hurunui%20District/Lewis%20Pass
