A big climb with a big view would describe Mt Turiwhate, 1373m, on the West Coast above the banks of the Taramakau River. Though the route is tracked and untechnical, it’s rough and steep.  

Beginning on the true right of Grahams Creek bridge on SH73, the route cuts through scrub then onto the riverbed where it follows a water pipe before reaching a track sign and a steady 1200m climb up the densely forested hillside. 

The climb eventually tops out in the tussock and gains the ridge crest where there are stupendous views of Westland and the Southern Alps, not to mention the Taramakau Valley far below. Mt Turiwhate is an outpost, and commands a stunning spectacle, worth every drop of sweat to reach the top. 

The true summit lies to the south-east and can be reached either along the ridge or by traversing any obstacles on the northern faces for an even greater spectacle of the Westland wilderness.