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

It was Level One. Shaun Barnett and I had to get out and do SOMETHING.

The forecast was for horizontal snowing, followed by a post-southerly window the next day. So we plugged up through some deep snow (from just 800 metres) to Jumbo Hut and managed to get the fire going, enjoying a surprisingly cosy night listening to the rattle of snow on the hut exterior.

At 1,000m on Raingauge Spur

Shaun, staunch in shorts, as we reach Jumbo Hut (1,230m)

Next morning dawned bluebird:  the Three Kings, Mitre and Baldy ridge at dawn

Ice patterns on the inside of the fire exit door of Jumbo Hut

We set off with a plan to head over Mt Holdsworth and complete the popular circuit. Shaun put his snowshoes to work. The idea was that I could follow in his track with my crampons, but his snowshoes only kept him on the surface about half the time. Normally to reach Jumbo from the hut, it takes 20-30 mins. It took us two hours. At times, I even resorted to crawling on hands and knees!

Snow plugging in thigh-deep powder above Jumbo Hut

McGregor, Broken Axe Pinnacles, and the southern-most of the Three Kings

Approaching Jumbo/Pukeahurangi, (left), Angle Knob, McGregor, Broken Axe Pinnacles and the Three Kings (right)

Whilst on Jumbo, it quickly became clear that we weren’t going to get anywhere near Mt Holdsworth today – it would’ve taken us many hours. But capturing photos of the mighty Tararua mountains made it well worth the effort.

The sign that normally indicates the way to Angle Knob, Holdsworth and Jumbo Hut

Peter Laurenson is a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club and editor of FMC’s Backcountry. For more images and info about Peter, visit www.occasionalclimber.co.nz.