The Douglas Valley with The Gladiator (at right of centre on this page) peeking out from behind a shroud of cloud. Photo: Sam Harrison

In search of a gladiator

Features, Off the Beaten Track

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Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison is a chocolate addict who tramps on the side and works for the Department of Conservation.

By Sam Harrison

Spending four days in rugged Westland to reach the peak named The Gladiator isn’t easy, but that only makes it more rewarding.

I cast my eyes down the map showing the jagged contours of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana in search of a tramper’s peak suitable for a summer trip. I was instantly captivated by the name ‘The Gladiator’, a 2125m peak on an offshoot of the Southern Alps in the wilds of Westland. The route would […]

About the author

Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison is a chocolate addict who tramps on the side. When he’s not in the bush he can be found pushing paper for the Department of Conservation in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Sam graduated from the University of Otago in 2021 with a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Arts, a large student loan and a love of all things tramping. He is easily identified in the hills by his oversized camera and his distinctive knack for finding type 2 fun.