A great overnight scramble, with a little exposure heading over Gladstone Peak in the Takitimu Mountains – topped off by a stay in a cute, tucked away hut.
Topo – our full overnight circuit
We parked and started our hike at Lower Princhester Hut and headed up Princhester Saddle Route to the 800m saddle. From here, it was helpful to have a map/compass to get through and above the bush line. Pretty bush and a few ferns to get through…
In the bush having left the 800m saddle
Once we cleared the bush line, it was a decent angled climb in the scree up to the ridge, enough of an incline that it was good to pay attention for slips.
Our line from Princhester Saddle Route up to Clare Peak
Once up to the 1221m high point, it was really nice ridge travel along to Clare Peak. I can imagine on a very windy day this could be challenging!
Carrying on past Clare Peak around to the base of Gladstone continued to be nice ridge travel with a few rocky sections easy enough to get through.
Ridge travel between Clare Peak and Gladstone Peak
Topo – our line from Clare Peak to Gladstone Peak
Initially Gladstone appeared a little intimidating – it was definitely a step up in the scrambling level from what we’d done so far. We opted to approach it from the NW following weaknesses in the rock to the top. There were some definite ‘hands and feet’ moves towards the top but it was all ok.
Approaching Gladstone Peak
On arrival to the top of Gladstone Peak, visibility had reduced a lot which made it tricky to make a good call on how to get down to the saddle ahead. It was very bluffy immediately in front of us and looking south. We ended up finding a good way by heading off the peak NE before coming back around and down to the saddle. Getting down off Gladstone Peak at the top, was probably the spiciest part of the trip for us.
Our line from Gladstone to Aparima Forks Hut
Once we got to the saddle SE of Gladstone, travel down to the valley floor was pleasant and straight forward. The bush was relatively open and ok to get through.
We were greeted by the super cute Aparima Forks Hut and enjoyed the rest and food after a big day.
Aparima Forks Hut
After a pleasant stay in the hut (thankfully with good sandfly protection), we spent the next day on the trails headed back to Lower Princhester Hut.
A great little loop with some interesting navigation and ridge travel.
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