Mt. Holdsworth

Since we've moved here I've always heard people talking about Mt Holdsworth, in the Tararua Range, with reverence. So on the long Wellington Anniversary weekend (every major city here has a day off to celebrate its anniversary) we went to stay at Holdsworth hut. And when people asked where we were going for the weekend, and I said Mt. Holdsworth, every single person said "it's beautiful there".

And it is. Reminded me so much of Oregon...

We hiked up to the lookout. Most people do the circuit, from Holdsworth hut to Powell Hut to Jumbo Hut, so we just saw a small piece. The hut is pretty basic, but a little girl there did ask if Wren and Quinn could be her best friends (they said yes).

The most treacherous section is between Powell Hut and Jumbo Hut where you are walking on a very narrow path, above treeline, with steep drop-offs on either side. Some people staying with us at the hut had to turn back because it was too windy to do that section. It's life or death and extreme weather to consider in the wild Tararuas.

The girls initially complained that it was all uphill but smashed it out with no problems at all. A fruity snack up top Rocky Lookout.

Perfect resting spot in among the roots.

This guy was a big landmark that we were almost back to the hut

The wind howled our first day. But then quit so that we could enjoy a deep, cold, swimming hole with rope swing near the hut.

The girls trying out the rope swing

A second hike took us around Donnelly Flats. Moss bed! 

I've always wanted a bed of moss to sleep on.

The trees and ground dripped with lichens.

Looks just like Oregon with it's big trees and sword fernlike ferns

When friends asked, how was Mt. Holdsworth? I said "it's beautiful there!".