Before starting to walk it is necessary to drive for about an hour to Flora Saddle which is about 950 metres above sea level. I shall try to organise a van for transport. The road up is pretty steep (gradient 1 in 5 for about 200 metres) but gets you well up before you have to start walking.

The walk begins in forest and follows a gently graded track for about an hour to a hut at the bushline. After that the track follows a path along a ridge, gradually gaining height. In some places it has to leave the ridge and sidles across the face of the ridge. Some of these sidles require a little care and perhaps the use of hands to keep your balance. We should complete the ascent to the top in 3 hours from the hut.

As the weather might change so go prepared. Take plenty of warm clothing, including a waterproof parka. Wear strong shoes or boots. Take enough food to keep you going all day, including some quick energy food such as chocolate. Also, there is hardly any water on the way except at the hut so take 2-3 litres of water.

If the weather is dubious then we won't go. Last January I camped the night on top of the mountain and descended through thick fog but it wasn't much fun.

I will put up a sign-up sheet on 4 January.

Email me at gauld@math.auckland.ac.nz if you have any questions that cannot wait until 4th.