News of Oceania and Pacific Islands

I made a new page for Mount Vinson today: http://www.summitpost.org/mount-vinson/830860

Just finding the seven volcanic summit counter part of kosciuszko, didn't get an exactly yes answer, do just wondering if it is bogong

Hi, I was thinking about doing an Area/Range page on the Auckland Volcanic Field in New Zealand with maybe an attached Mountain page focusing on Rangitoto and some more on the climbing area on Mt. Eden. Have been to maybe a half dozen of the summits but there are plenty others so was imagining adding bits as I got to each one. Anyone got any material they think would be useful? Cheers.

Hey people,

I'm looking at staying in the Aoraki/Mt Cook area for most of December 2012 and hoping to get a load of mountaineering in. Keen to meet partners to get out and climb routes around Alpine 2/3. I've brought my own equipment and a small rack. Drop me an email if your interested. Cheers.

Adam

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7426862/Mt-Tongariro-erupts-for-first-time-in-over-100-years

Some ash and steam last night local time, but so far nothing more serious, although no one seems too sure what to expect next. Early reports of missing hikers appear to refer to refer to three people evacuated from Mangetepopo hut so hopefully everyone is safe.

Heads up anyone planning a winter Tongariro crossing.

Anyone heading down to the ice this year? I will be flying down December 14th. Scott

I'll have a newborn in tow, so no five-day expeditions across the swamp for me.

We're planning to be near Waimea Canyon part of the time - obvious spot for scenery and drier weather. Any particular places to see / avoid? Any short scrambles I could do solo, without rope, if I get an afternoon to myself?

What trip would you recommend in New Zealand for late April/early May? Are any mountains still in condition or is it strictly trekking season? I'm looking for 2 short excursions starting from Auckland. First trip 3 days. Second trip is 4-5 days. It's a first visit to NZ.

I'm thinking about Ruapehu for the first 3 days. Then catching a flight to South Island for a 50 mile trek. Any other suggestions?

So I'm moving to New Zealand for work come May/June. I'll be in the Arthur's Pass area without much time to travel about. I'm bringing some basic alpine gear for work, but what's around? We'll say my job is snow intensive, so I'll have ski mountaineering gear as well. Any ice that time of year? Alpine? I don't know much about the area so any help would be great. Like I said I'm going to ...

Looking to do an advanced ice climbing course this July/August (I live in Melbourne).

Lots of options if I head over to NZ, and some great courses by the looks of things but would be significantly cheaper for me to stay local. And it looks like the obvious Aussie option would be The Australian School of Mountaineering in Katoomba.

Does anybody have any experience of these guys and whether the standard of instruction is as ...