There’s Snow on Them Local Hills

Dave Henwood and Derek Sharp negotiate the cheval pitch of Te Helenga, central Ruahine Ranges.

Trip Report: Ruahines - August 2001

Story by Dave Henwood

Ruahine snow plodders Dave Henwood, Tony Gates, Alistair Millward, and Derek Sharp crossed the central Ruahine Range, from Rangi Hut to Howletts Hut- without skis. They found lots of the deep, soft stuff, and very little cramponable ice. Difficult travel on “the cheval pitch ” east of Te Hekenga (1695 m) was made easier when crampons could bite into the steep rock and snow. They report a new fire box at Howletts hut, with a chimney that glows red hot when coal is burnt in it!