Now I know this isn't hunting related, but I figure those that aren't from NZ might enjoy some pictures. This is the most beautiful place on earth. I just wish I was here for more than a semester.

Ready to leave the city and see the "real" New Zealand, some friends and I decided to leave Dunedin and head to Wanaka for a little tramp. We got there early evening, had dinner and drove to a campground for the night. The weather was perfect, so most of us slept outside under the stars.

Next day we returned to town and decided where we wanted to go for our hike and overnight. We settled on Mount Roy, the highest mountain in Wanaka. It sits just under a mile, and isn't a particulary tough climb. I offered to carry the 4 person tent, and you have to carry all the water you need. All told my pack was around 55-60LBS. I really wish I had made time for the gym over the past month...

Anyways the plan was to hike the almost 6 miles to the top, find a legal camping area, and spend the night.

Getting assembled at the bottom.



Even at the bottom, the views are pretty:


The goal: do you see the tiny white tower?


Surveying:


The views improve with every step:


Ridgerunning:


Keep trudging along despite the fact that its 80 degrees and there is no cloud cover. Side note, there is a whole in the ozone of NZ that makes it have some of the most intense sunlight on earth.

Get to the top and soak in God's incredible creations:





Note the glacier on the far mountain:


A video from the top:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix22TBr7is8

Move on and find a good spot to camp:


Four person tent, five people. Offer to sleep outside. Find yourself a nice place that will keep you out of the wind and hopefully keep you warm.


Dinner:


My buddies relaxing and staying warm:




Watch the sun start to fade:


The shadows come:


A fiery goodbye to a fantastic day:

You need to get yourself off over into Fiordland

Brilliant photo's,looks like a beutiful spot.
How did you enjoy those Summer Ales?

quote:

Originally posted by shankspony:
Brilliant photo's,looks like a beutiful spot.
How did you enjoy those Summer Ales?

I did, but I'm glad I'm not the idiot to carry them up though. Cans would have been less weight.

quote:

Originally posted by Loosecat:
You need to get yourself off over into Fiordland

As soon as I get a car I expect to be making a LOT of trips. You get my PM?

Great pictures. I've been in New Zealand for about 4 years now, and I think that Wanaka is my favorite place. I'm getting ready to head down that way over the Easter breaks to hunt tahr and chamois. Hopefully my pictures will be as good as yours (and contain dead animals).

I did - PMed ya back.