Ohau Peak
1st November 2020
Three members left Oamaru at 7am and met up with Rodney, Helen and Bill at Kurow.
Following a quick coffee stop at the wee caravan in Otematata we duly arrived at the woolshed on Quailburn Road around 9am.
Setting off shortly after nine we began to climb straight away reaching the trig station 4089 within 40 minutes. From here, we headed northwest across to the fencing track leading straight up the slope towards Point 1873 metres at the southern end of the Ohau Range.
Following a good steady slog uphill we had lunch in the shelter of some rocks on the leeward side of Point 1873.
A shorter but just as demanding climb followed lunch until we reached the ridgeline. From this point the target was in sight but still some distance away. Due to a nice clear day we were surrounded with breath-taking vistas all around.
A short rest stop at Point 1909 occurred before the final stretch to Ohau Peak which was reached at 1.40pm. Another short rest to admire the view was taken at which time the predicted gale force winds decided to arrive. This made the journey back along the ridgeline quite demanding.
We opted to return to the vehicles via a different route and therefore once we had returned to point 1873 we angled down via a scree slope and across the creek to the track that connects the woolshed carpark to the East Ahuriri Valley. A short journey from there to the cars ensued where we met and happily discussed what was a very rewarding day.
Special Thanks to Rodney for collating all the data for this report.
Rodney, Helen, Ross F, Bill F, Ger and Julian
