Up the River – Matukituki Valley

West Matukituki ValleyLast Sunday was a day for an adventure. The forecast was for a fine clear (and cold day) and it didn’t disappoint. We headed up the Matukituki Valley. Parts of the valley the sun doesn’t even reach at this time of year. Permanently frozen. It was a glorious day. One for remembering trips of old. My last visit was about 1981!

What with floods and storms the Matukituki had been a bit mean to me in the 1970s. So it was good to have a good day. We made it up to Aspiring Hut and boiled the billy on the old MSR before heading back down-valley to the land of heaters and warmth. And reflected on the McPherson family who my Grandfather photographed down by the East Matukituki in 1906. How on earth did they cope with the winters?

West Matukituki Valley

West Matukituki Valley. I can see now why the peak was called Shark’s Tooth

West Matukituki Valley towards Aspiring Hut

West Matukituki Valley towards Aspiring Hut

Warning sign for Cascade Saddle route West Matukituki Valley

Warning sign for Cascade Saddle route West Matukituki Valley

West Matukituki Valley near Aspiring Hut

West Matukituki Valley near Aspiring Hut. Bevan Col on the left and the top of Mt Aspiring visible over French Ridge (with a patch of sun) at the top right.

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