It’s a cool day in Queenstown. 11 degrees. Quite a bit different to last Monday’s 37 at home. There is more than a dusting of snow covering the Remarkables, offering a glimpse of what lies in wait in the higher peaks of the main range. The plane was on time and I cleared customs with no worries. It helps to have any thing to declare in the one carry on bag and ready to access. Mountaineering boots, climbing shoes and gaiters were all they were interested in which is good because I didn’t want to have to unpack everything, find that all is good and pack it up again. Anything thats been in contact with soil they want to have a look at. All good. I don’t have a tent for this trip an no climbing rope which they quiz me about.
The shuttle was waiting and it was straight on to Wanaka for me. 98km and about 1 hour by road, in early March this year it took my three and a half days to walk the reverse direction from Wanaka to Queenstown.
Very, very excited to be back on NZ soil and more so for a climbing trip on a big mountain. I can’t wait to get going. Organisation day tomorrow in Wanaka and into the mountains in Tuesday.
Project 40 - Te Araroa 2015-16 
Good luck Mick, have a great time
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I am envious! I only returned about a month ago doing the Rees Saddle; Caples and Routeburn (part) and Mueller hut!!! Make the most of it and I will look forward to your blogs!!!
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Hi Mick. I know you told us a while ago, but I can’t recall what the objective is here. If you’re going to Wanaka it’s probably MT Aspiring. I look forward to the adventure. Good luck!
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Hey Mark, off to Aoraki / Mt Cook. 3750m, highest point in NZ. I guess after this I need to find the deepest cave or something like that.
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Cheering for you Mick! We met you at Waiopehu hut and really enjoyed your blog so we are excited to be able to follow your next adventure. Hope the weatherest improves – take care. Jane and Don
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Hi Jane. Yes I remember your family and dog fondly. The start of the Tararua Range. I love hut life, meeting people and sharing stories. It think this was an eye opener for my friend Sarah who with me. Hope all is well with you.
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Have fun Mick.
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