Instructors course

Cass-Lagoon (medium)

A Canterbury classic. Varied terrain and spectacular views make this really worth while tramp. It’s even worth doing the Hamilton "Hilton" hut itself, which is the best site of any hut in Canterbury. No need to carry tents as you can sleep on the huge veranda if the hut is full.

Technical
-River-crossing
-Route finding
-Solid distance each day
Time: 6-8hrs
Altitude gain: 500-700 metres

Hawden hut (cruisy)

A chance to see the area at its pristine best in winter. Wander up the snow-carpeted river flats to the large comfortable hut, ideal for marathon card games. For those out there that wish to have a drinking retreat this might be your calling as the access and time to get there are not substantial.

Time: 3-4hrs each way
Altitude gain: 100-200 metres max

Mt Thomas (easy)

Climb one of the foothills, and soak in the commanding views of the Canterbury Plains. At this time of year they should have their peaks caped with snow.

Time: 6-7hrs
Altitude gain: 600m

Mt Oxford (easy-moderate)

AHHH, Mt Oxford, the favourite hill known to human. Do the full loop or come back the same way and visit the Ryde falls. This is one of Canterbury’s most popular day-walks. Great views of the plains and lush lowland forest make this a great day out. Time: 6hrs Altitude: 800m

Mt Oakden (hard)

For the keen folks amongst us. Climb this peak above Lake Coleridge as the mountains are building their winter coats

Technical
-Scrambling
-No track
-Scree runs
-Route-finding (easy)
-Steep climb
Time: 6-8hrs
Altitude Gain: Over 1000m

Snow Craft weekend

Lake Man Bivouac (2 days)

This trip is one with semi easy valley travel, and a climb to an alpine lake, although there is some matagouri to dodge, and you have to cross the Boyle River at the beginning of the trip.

Technical
-Tops travel
-Camping in the Snow (take two bed rolls)
-Route-finding (easy-medium)
-River-crossing
Time: 6-7hrs
Altitude gain: Approx 1000m (approximation from the guide)

Snow craft (1 day)

Foggy Peak-Castle Hill Peak

Located in the Torlesse range, Castle Hill peak gives stunning views of the Alps and plains. A great follow-up trip for snow craft.

Technical
-Scree
-Possibly some rock scrambling
Altitude gain: 1000m
Time: 7-8hrs

Mt Cloudesley and Mt Enys (Medium/Keen)

A chance to climb some real mountains (the highest in the Craigieburn Range) and get yourself above 2000 metres. The curved shape of the rides creates the illusion that the mountains are lower than they actually are.

Time: 9hrs
Altitude gain: 1500 metres approx
Approximation from guide

Kirwan’s Hut (Medium easy)

Located at the bush line, Kirwan’s Hut gives amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There’s also an abandoned mine to explore.

Time: 5-6hrs
Altitude Gain: Uphill on day 1
Approximation from guide

Night and day weekend

Travel up to Maruia Springs on either Friday or Saturday Night for a soak in the hot pools then climb up into the snow the next morning before returning to Christchurch. This will give you a chance to try out those newly learnt snow skills. The wide-open tops give superb opportunities for straightforward snow travel.

Mt Travers (Medium)

A peak just to the east of the main divide, this trip gives awesome views of the Spencer Range and maybe will make some of you start itching to get your crampons into Gorana and Faerie Queene.

Time: 7hrs
Altitude Gain: 1000m
Approximation from guide

Lewis Pass tops (cruisy-hard)

An easy climb to the bush line above Lewis Pass, admire the view, have a play in the snow or go for a swim in the tarns (if you’re completely loopy!). The length of this trip means you get a longer soak in the hot pools.

August Break

Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku (Moderate-Hard Mountaineering)

Tapuae-o-Uenuku is the highest peak in the South Island north of Mt Cook National Park. Hard-ice conditions can exist on it at any time of the year, and it is essential that an ice axe and crampons be carried for an ascent of this mountain. Access is via the Hodder River, which is infamous for the number of fords — about 60 in all. Mt Alarm and Mitre Peak are two other peaks that can be climbed from the Hodder River. They are however a little more difficult and may require a rope.

Time: 3+ days
Altitude Gain: 2000 metres ++

Other trips are to be advised closer to the time. If you have any ideas or trips you would like to go on let me know.