It was supposed to be an easy tramp in order to rest a little in between alpine climbing missions. However, those rest-days often turn into demanding endeavours and it was the case with this trip along the ridge of the Thomson Mountains.

Mavora Lakes is a favourite spot for families, fishermen and trampers on the Greenstone-Mavora and Te Araroa trails. But if you want to escape the sandflies and the crowds, the Thomson Mountains is the place to go.

There are two huts and a DOC campsite near the head of North Mavora Lake, which help make this trip an excellent three-day loop.

You can reach the tops from Boundary Hut, beside the Mararoa River and a few kilometres from North Mavora Lake. After a two hour struggle up the steep slope and tussock, you will reach the ridge north of Cold Peak (1613m). From there, navigation is pretty straightforward. Just follow the ridge south until you finally stand atop Mt Campbell and take in those panoramic viewsPhoto.

If you have time, there is a great camping spot next to a tarn, just south of Mt Campbell. On your way back, either backtrack to the saddle north of Mt Campbell and descend to the 4WD road running along the lake, or follow the main ridge to descend to South Mavora Lake.

– Jakub Cejpek