Keen to summit a local 2000m peak we headed for Mt Alta, one of the highest peaks in the lower Matukituki Valley. Permission granted from West Wanaka we took the 40 minute drive along the 4wd farm track to the foot of Round Hill Spur. Leaving the Valley floor at 800am we continued up the well defined farm track until we reached a point where a direct push up the steep tussock slopes would bring us to the ridge. Another 2 hours followed as we weaved through the lose rock to finally reach our goal and our rewarding views into the heart of the National Park and Lake Wanaka. Heading for a more direct descent, along with some sneaky scree running, we stumbled back at the truck 4 hours later at 630pm, exhausted. 16 February 2013

Our Route 10 hours

Keas

Steep Tussock Slopes

Buchanan Peaks in the Background

Finally on the Ridge Line

First glimpse of Mt Alta

Ridge to Summit

Loose Rock!

Summit

M o o o o !