With winter somewhat postponed due to the lack of snow, we decided to explore the Two Thumb range on foot. We chose a route involving as much time on a ridge as possible; it included some of the TA trail. I haven’t done the TA but surely this must be one of the most aesthetic segments – the area offers 360 views of the Southern Alps! I would recommend not banking on the log burners for warmth however – the first hut had firewood for days but a blocked chimney (?dead possum) and the second no firewood!
- Time: 2-3 days from Christchurch
- Season: we did this off-peak in winter and went in trail runners – carried lightweight crampons but didn’t feel the need to use. We saw no-one else; expect Camp Stream Hut to be full during the warmer months given it is on the TA although could avoid the crowds and do it as a 2 day trip and just stay at Royal Hut.
- Team: Joe, Maria 16-18/07/23
Day 1 (start to B): park just before the gate on Roundhill Ski access road, bike 1h (3.7km) along 4WD track to where trail for Camp Stream Hut starts – marked by doc sign (A on map). Stashed the bikes just off the road. Hike 1.5h (5km) to Camp Stream Hut – 2-3 river crossings – fecking freezing.
Day 2 (B to C): 6.5h (14.22km) to Royal Hut. From Camp Stream Hut we gained the ridge directly N up to 1641. Bit of low lying tussock, nothing too heinous. We wondered about going along to Mt Hope but the ridge looked increasingly technical and we had no rope/gear, so we dropped East from point 2036, into the basin then pretty much beelined it to the hut. Royal Hut has an open hearth and no firewood so we retired into the sleeping bags very early! Star jumps and squats generated some heat also…
Day 3 (C back to start): 7.5h (23km) – gained SW ridge from the hut up to point 1891 and followed ridge along to Mt Musgrave (2251). At point 2133 (point D) we dropped down to the ski field – scree run ahoy – then walked down the road back to the car.
Peak Exposure 