Date: December 27, 2024
Location: Richardson Mountains, Rees Valley Station, Glenorchy, Otago, New Zealand
Total Trip Distance: 9.78 mi / 15.74 km
Total Elevation Gain: 6,012 ft / 1,832 m
Trip Duration: 7 hours 8 min
Team: Solo
Field Notes: Start at the Invincible Mine Heli Pad and take the 4WD track uphill. At 760 meters, the track ends in a clearing. Turn to the north and look for a clearly defined sheep trail that heads through a tight scrub belt. The trail emerges from the scrub at 820 meters. Cross a small creek to the north and continue heading uphill towards McDougalls Spur. Enter the creek at 1,360 meters staying mainly on the true right. At 1,560 meters an obvious spur leads directly up to the basin below the summit where great camping can be found. Aim for the col between Stair Peak and Point 2149. Take the North Ridge to the summit. Make sure to get permission from Rees Valley Station: 03 442 9908
Rating: I, 1+
One of my favorite things about being in the mountains is developing an intimate relationship with a specific set of peaks. By spending time in one mountain range, you get to know the rock, animals, and climate that make it unique. You begin to figure out the optimal time to climb and ski. One learns the access routes, camping locations, and secret bivy's. And of course, you get to know the people.
When I called the Rees Valley Station for permission to access the land near Invincible Mine, Iris (one of the landowners) was happy to hear my voice.
Mike! It's great to hear from you again...
A huge smile spread across my face. It was going to be another great trip.
I woke at five-thirty in the morning to low cloud in the valley. Birds sang out and you could tell it was going to be a miracle of a day. I quickly made breakfast, a coffee, and set out.
I took the 4WD track that starts on the true left of McDougalls Creek at the Invincible Mine Heli Pad. I hopped the gate and appreciated the gentle incline as a warm-up. At 760 meters, the track ends in a clearing. To the north, a clearly defined sheep trail leads up through tight scrub before emerging at a small creek. I crossed the creek and went uphill in an easterly direction.
Like I've written so many times before, the morning was spectacular. Cloud hung in the valley while the Humboldt and Forbes Mountains towered above. Earnslaw is the eye-catcher, but I was drawn more to the remote summits of Mount Head and Moira Peak at the back of the Rees Valley.
I continued uphill through open tussock country, appreciating the scrub-free travel. I was making excellent time and I felt light on my feet. Soon enough I was entering the creek south of McDougalls Spur with Stair Peak looming above.
On the approach, I sidled forty meters above the creek. On the descent, I followed the creek. The latter is significantly easier.
At 1,560 meters an obvious spur leads directly up into the basin below Stair Peak. I took this and continued to make fast travel. My ice axe and crampons were totally unnecessary today, but being so lightweight, I wasn't fussed. I climbed directly to the col between Point 2149 and Stair Peak. Three hours and thirty minutes after leaving the car I stood on the football field sized summit.
The views were not as dramatic as other summits along the Richardson's, such as Lapith Peak or Stone Peak, but I did appreciate the view into the Flood Burn and Mount Aurum.
I took my summit photos, had a bite to eat, re-hydrated and went on my way. Travel was fast off the peak as I boot-skied down the scree.
Stopping only for a quick drink in the fresh stream, I skipped my way back along the creek. Surprisingly, the descent took roughly the same amount of time as the ascent. As always I was happy to be back at my van for some fresh fruit and my ritual recovery protein shake to cap off a perfect summer day.
Happy days...
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