Tramping (Trekking) the Length of New Zealand

Tramping (Trekking) the Length of New Zealand (MAIN PAGE)

Section J (Part 2) Pictures: Lewis Pass (Windy Point) to Arthurs Pass (Aickens)

Four intrepid trampers (Tomo Tanaka, Kim Ollivier, Geoff Chapple, Eric Martinot) set out from Windy Point with a good multi-day weather prognosis
This was actually the first time in my New Zealand trek that I've started out in a pre-organized group
The group was aided by Miriam Beatson, who graciously provided our transport
Tomo and Kim arriving at Hope Halfway Hut in the Hope River valley
Geoff crossing the swingbridge over Three Mile Stream
Geoff, Kim, and Eric starting out the morning of the second day from Hope-Kiwi hut. Rain from the previous evening had left a dusting of snow on the peaks.
Lake Sumner
Arriving at Harper Pass (elevation 960 meters) in the late afternoon, with just enough daylight remaining to descend to flat ground to camp
Breakfast on the porch of Locke Stream Hut, at the head of the Taramakau River
Crossing the Taramakau River upstream of Kiwi Hut. This crossing was easier than a few of our other crossings further down river, but was still knee-high. Where the water is swift, one crosses sideways, facing upstream, to enable leaning into the forceful current.
Made it!
Crossing the "three-wire" bridge over the Cameron Stream (called a "walkwire" because you walk on one wire while holding the other two wires in your hands). Photo credit: Tomo Tanaka
Heading down the Taramakau River flats near Kiwi Hut
Eric and Tomo reach the end of the route at Highway 73. The astute reader will note the location is the same as that pictured at the start of Section K. Unfortunately, Kim and Geoff had to turn back to Windy Point part-way through the route, as Kim was having knee problems.

Page updated March 31, 2004

	Four intrepid trampers (Tomo Tanaka, Kim Ollivier, Geoff Chapple, Eric Martinot) set out from Windy Point with a good multi-day weather prognosis
	This was actually the first time in my New Zealand trek that I've started out in a pre-organized group
	The group was aided by Miriam Beatson, who graciously provided our transport
	Tomo and Kim arriving at Hope Halfway Hut in the Hope River valley
	Geoff crossing the swingbridge over Three Mile Stream
	Geoff, Kim, and Eric starting out the morning of the second day from Hope-Kiwi hut. Rain from the previous evening had left a dusting of snow on the peaks.
	Lake Sumner
	Arriving at Harper Pass (elevation 960 meters) in the late afternoon, with just enough daylight remaining to descend to flat ground to camp
	Breakfast on the porch of Locke Stream Hut, at the head of the Taramakau River
	Crossing the Taramakau River upstream of Kiwi Hut. This crossing was easier than a few of our other crossings further down river, but was still knee-high. Where the water is swift, one crosses sideways, facing upstream, to enable leaning into the forceful current.
	Made it!
	Crossing the "three-wire" bridge over the Cameron Stream (called a "walkwire" because you walk on one wire while holding the other two wires in your hands). Photo credit: Tomo Tanaka
	Heading down the Taramakau River flats near Kiwi Hut
	Eric and Tomo reach the end of the route at Highway 73. The astute reader will note the location is the same as that pictured at the start of Section K. Unfortunately, Kim and Geoff had to turn back to Windy Point part-way through the route, as Kim was having knee problems.