The Maori name for Earnslaw is Pikirakatahi. Though the origins of the name are lost it’s thought that, during the mountain’s creation, a wedge of pounamu was inserted into it. So Pikirakatahi is seen as a guardian of nearby supplies of pounamu.

The east peak was first climbed in 1890. Though ten metres shorter, it took another twenty four years before the more challenging west peak was climbed. Steve, my climbing companion and I, were quite content to focus on the east peak; just the route in traverses magnificent and varied terrain.

For a route map and more images www.occasionalclimber.co.nz

FOR A ROUTE MAP AND MORE IMAGES WWW.OCCASIONALCLIMBER.CO.NZ