We were at 1,430m and the summit was a further 250m above. Yes, we’d climbed the crux alright, but the highly exposed, relentlessly steep terrain above the crux still wasn’t conducive to fast travel.

We had to be back down at sea level by 5pm for our Roscos Milford Kayaks water taxi pickup and, between us and the water line was difficult terrain most of the way. Adding to the challenge was a lack of water and we knew that rushing a tough, exposed route in a dehydrated state was a recipe for trouble.

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