Kattothryst

The original trip idea was for a two night stay at Mitchells hut at the top of Mt Dasher station, which then morphed into a single night stay on the Saturday.  However, when the group convened at Five Forks, the weather was cold and drizzly with the forecast to only clear late in the afternoon, so decided instead to meet again at 6:30am Sunday 21st Dec for a long day out instead.

The drive out through to Five Forks was again grey and cloudy, however when getting some altitude up the Mole Hill road we saw soon surprisingly above the clouds. The private road for Mt Dasher station is in very good condition, only needing to slow down for cattle and gates.  After the second airstrip on the map, the road condition dropped to 4×4 needed, and progress now slower and bumpier until reached Mitchells Hut.

After a quick coffee and getting ready stop we carried on up the 4×4 track on foot to the top to decide next steps. Mt Obi looked far away (one for next time if on mountain bikes) and Mt Dasher looked a bit ambitious. Trip leader then confused directions to Kattothryst, requiring some cross country through high grass and minor boulder fields. Back en-route to Kattothryst passed a couple of wild pigs and a fine Merino sheep and lamb, then leaving the packs at the bottom of the short and sharp climb to the summit.  Great views from there across to Kakanui Peak, rock and pillar range, up to Dommett and the Hakataramea all the way round back to Oamaru.  A couple of squalls coming through on the return to the hut.  Thank you to Mt Dasher Station for access.