Enjoying fine winter conditions on the hike to Mt Isobel. Photo: Peter Laurenson

Mt Isobel, Hanmer Forest Park

August 2021

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August 2021

The combination of alpine terrain and the comforts of hot springs, cafés and comfortable accommodation at Hanmer Springs make Mt Isobel a worthy tramping destination.

Though Hanmer Springs is nestled in an alpine basin at about 350m above sea level, surrounded by peaks sometimes soaring more than a vertical kilometre higher, as the name suggests, it’s best known for its hot springs.  But, when conditions permit, within easy reach of the township, by car, bike or foot, is a fine […]
August 2021

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August 2021

Peter Laurenson

About the author

Peter Laurenson

Peter is a tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer. His adventures, spanning 30+ years, come together on his website ‘OccasionalClimber’. Richmond-based, Peter is editor of FMC’s Backcountry and has published three books: Occasional Climber (2013) and Khumbu (2021) and Aotearoa Light (2025).

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