I managed to score some very cheap tickets to NZ in late Feb, and will be spending 12 days driving around the South Island. I'll be with my wife and bub so i think i can only swindle one day up high.

I know there has been recent talk about Brewster/Armstrong, but do any of you have any other suggestions for a day climb? I know 1 day isn't long, but i figure there are probably some good hills out there. Coming off a couple of ironman races in the past few months, i'm feeling pretty fit and keen for something challenging but not too techincal (as I'll be doing it solo). Suggestions appreaciated.

Cheers

If you happen to find yourself in Arthur's Pass, you can go up Avalanche peak.
You can go up the Avalanche Peak track and descend by Scott's track. It doesn't take all day to do that.

If you want to make it more interesting (and a full day), you can go up the Bealey Track to Mount Bealey and then traverse the ridge to the north, first to Lyell Peak and then Avalanche Peak. From there you can descend either the Avalanche Peak track or Scott's. On the traverse, you will occasionally need your hands, but the scrambling is pretty easy.

You'll need good weather for this, but if you have it, the views will be outstanding.

Cheers, Rob

Thanks for the suggestions fellas. Yep big fan of the topomap site - have used it a lot in the past.

Instead of putting in a big full day I was thinking of going light and starting bright and early (4ish) and heading up the Coral Track, Rome ridge then summiting Rolleston (probably just Low Peak). Does anyone know what the upper Rome ridge and Rolleston approach is like (particually the 'gap' and immediately upwards from there) in feb/march? I presume there is not much snow/ice that time of year - but realise it depends on the snow season. I know that Damien has previously mentioned that it was quite a snowy spring, but with the apparent onset of El nino not sure if a whole bunch of it has melted since then (would not be surprised).

Are we talking roping up with protection, crampons and ice axes (keeping in mind a nice and safe mindset - that comes with being responsible for a new born)? Or just exposed ridge tramping with some scrambling and typical par (at best) new zealand scree/rock?

Cheers

Mountain Bandit,

Ben Lomond just outside of Queenstown is a good hike. There's a trail to the top and the views are really good. I did it in about 4+ hours round trip if I recall correctly.

http://www.summitpost.org/ben-lomond/572409

It's really a great peak because you really get a lay of the land, can do it in half a day and can quickly feed your peak bagging rat.

From Q'town you can also drive up to the Remarkables ski-field and hike up past Lake Alta to the crest of the Remarkables range. Mt Roy near Wanaka is also an easy half day return from Wanaka with great views up into Aspiring NP.

Something easily accessed from Q'town or Wanaka will make it easy on Mrs Mountain Bandit too since there's a few things to do while you're on the hill.

Hi Dave! Saw your post. Is the remarkables ski road unrestricted access?
Nick

Pretty much. I drove up there and parked in the car park. I think there was a boom gate of some sort at the entrance to the car park if I remember correctly. If that's closed it only adds a hundred metres or so to your hike.

You can be up on the crest in about an hour from there, if I recall correctly. I took what seemed to be the least line of resistance to a saddle on the left (south) of Lake Alta and then straight up to the crest. Mostly boulder hopping from the lake to the saddle but fairly easy. Just have to be careful on the way down not to hop down carelessly on to loose boulders.