Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the car park a wide gravel path, originally a miners' track, departs into the bush.
Within 10 minutes you arrive at
Flora Saddle
(975m), where there is a signposted junction.
Straight ahead lies the track to Flora Hut, on which you will return on day three, but for now
you need to take the left fork towards Mt Arthur Hut, an hour away.
The well-graded track follows the ridge towards Mt Arthur, winding through beech forest
and groves of shaggy mountain neinei, one of NZ's most peculiar-looking trees.
Mt Arthur Hut (eight bunks) sits on the bushline. It's a classic backcountry hut, with little
room to swing a cat but atoning with a well-worn outdoor area and fire pit. Weka are likely
to pay you a visit. If you arrive looking to lap up some afternoon sun, it's worth heading up
the track for five minutes or so where the views open up even further.
Day 2: Mt Arthur Hut to Salisbury Lodge
4-5 HOURS, 10.4KM, 590 ASCENT, 770 DESCENT
This is a strenuous day's tramping across exposed terrain, even more so if you are factoring
in Mt Arthur Summit. Do not set off unless the weather is clear.
From Mt Arthur Hut, the track quickly emerges onto the open tops above the bushline.
From here on in, for the best part of the day, it's non-stop views (except when you're watch-
ing your feet).
Follow the poled route as it wends first through rock gardens, where tufts of alpine plants
spring out of the large cracks, then up and along a grassy ridge towards mountains looming
large ahead.
A track junction marks the meeting of the
Mt Arthur Summit Track
(straight ahead), and
a right fork to Salisbury Lodge. Those heading to the summit can leave their packs here,
making the steep climb a bit easier. It's around one hour to reach the summit from the junc-
tion.
To continue to Salisbury Lodge, take the right fork, which leads across
Horseshoe Bas-
in
. There is considerable undulation between here and the final assault in the monumental
form of Gordons Pyramid. En route you will encounter particularly steep and rocky bits;
those tramping in groups may find it helpful to cooperate in hauling packs over the trickier
sections.
It is a strenuous climb to the summit of
Gordons Pyramid
(1489m), but all will be for-
given as you take in the head-swivelling views, including those of the vast, partially forested
tableland below.
