NEW TRAVERSE OF TARARUAS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20315, 25 January 1928, Page 8

NEW TRAVERSE OF TARARUAS.

TEAMPERS’ STRENUOUS CLIMB. What is believed to be the first traverse of the Tararua Mountains from Otaki to Masterton, via the main Tararua Range, was recently made by Messrs G. S. Simpson, J. B. Wright, and S. G. MTntosn, all of Wellington (says the Dominion). Fully equipped with tent, compass, maps, and provisions for eight days, the party j commenced the journey on Saturday, January 7, arriving at Masterton on January | 16. The route taken was along the OtakiGreytown track as far as West Peak (near Mount Hector), from where the course lay along the main range. A delay of one day by fog and unforseen difficulties in the nature of pinnacles, mutton scrub, and other sub-apline vegetation was responsible for the party not reaching Mount Crawford (4795 ft) until six days after setting out on the venture. The original programme was to continue along the main range northwards of Crawford as far as Arete Peak, and then follow on over Mount Dundas to Eketahuna. After the earlier delay, however, such a course was impracticable. A glance at the northerly part of the range from Crawford revealed miles of stunted bush and scrub, the piercing of which would require a longer period than that for which the party was equipped. Accordingly it was decided to make for Masterton, via Mount j-.oids-worth, which was visible on the intervening parallel Dundas-Holdsworth Ridge. A descent was made to the Waiohine-iti River below, and then commenced a long, ■arduous climb through bush and scrub to Mount Holdsworth. A southerly storm result ed in the 'oss of another day, the party camping near the bush-line on the western slopes of Mount Holdsworth. Once on the beaten track from Holdsworth to Masterton the journey was soon completed. The traverse proved much more strenuous than was anticipated, battling through scrub and dense bush with heavy swags "being particularly exhausting work, but tracks will_ bo necessary before the trip is a feasible one. The route passes through magnificent forst and mountainous country abounding in native birds and deer.