This un-named summit lies above Lake Rubicon just South East of the Torlesse Range. It's surrounded by private land belonging to Brooksdale Station and accessed from SH73 near the historic Roadmans Hut. Dave happens to know the station manager so permission was secured and off we set on a mild December morning. It starts with a 2km walk up the riverbed or farm track, your choice, before finding a suitable spur to climb to the ridge and along to the generous-sized 4 point summit at 1261m.
We chose the farm track and, only about 1km from the state highway, were rewarded with seeing 3 chamois nannies only 40m or so away. As we both reached for our cameras, they took off, bounding up the hill with graceful ease. A great way to start the day!
Once you leave the riverbed, the first part is tough with a bit of scrub bashing up a steep section. Once above the scrubline, it's a straightforward slog up to the ridge.
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| Dave climbing up through the Spaniard and Matagouri. Kowai River below and SH73 Porters Pass in the background |
The summit is a good size so we were able to find some shelter from the gusty (but dry) Nor Wester on the lee (Christchurch) side. Dave started on 40m SSB and I hit 2m and 70cm. A great run and 18 contacts in the log before I returned to the HF setup. I then worked some HF CW, local and DX (2 USA and 2 JA).
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| Antenna (EFHW on 6m Tactical Mini) with Mt Torlesse in the background |
We both had evening appointments and wanted to take a circuit route home so packed up around 1130am, had some lunch and set off along the really nice ridgeline traverse to Pt1230. We then dropped down a spur to the riverbed. More bush-bashing involved and a descent down a creek. Back across the river and down the farm track towards the car. A bee sting to my hand forced a quick stop for an anti-histamine and then back to the car.
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| NE View from the ridgeline, Lake Rubicon in the middle. |
Another great day in the Korowai-Torlesse Tussocklands Conservation Area (this brought up my 500th QSO for this park).
Permission: Conservation land starts above the 900m contour. Before that you are on Brooksdale Station land - permission required, contact Dave ZL3DRN for details.
Getting there: Heading West on SH73, past Springfield but before you start climbing Porters Pass, there is a layby on the right with a little red historic Roadmans Hut on the left. Park in the layby and cross the fence by the gate. Follow the farm track up the valley. GPX file is on the SOTA summits site.
Time: Ascent - 2.5 hours, 5.7km and 700m vertical gain
Descent - there are a number of options but the one we used on our second visit on 10th June 2023 is probably the best. It's on the SOTA Summits tracks page (or contact me for an emailed copy).
