New Zealand - Mount Talbot Massif

Three day climb on Mount Talbot in the Central Darran Mountains of Fiordland NP. Our base was the NZAC Homer Hut. After a day of heavy rain a small weather window became available and we walked from Homer Hut to the Gertrude Saddle.

Melissa enjoying the view from Gertrude Saddle

In fine conditions we continued from Gertrude saddle and ascended towards the summit ridge of Mount Talbot. This required stright forward scrambling techniques across dry slabs.

Melissa scrambling up dry slabs towards summit ridge of Mount Talbot. Gertrude saddle can be seen below.

Brad sitting in front of old ice below Mount Talbot Massif

After summiting we then descended to the Gertrude saddle, Black lake, the Gertrude valley and back into Homer Hut.

Melissa below Mount Talbot Massif

We decided not to gain access into the Moraine Creek area and Korako Glacier using the Gertrude saddle, Barrier Knob and Giffords crack route. It was very exposed.

So, the next morning we drove into the lower Hollyford valley and to Moraine creek. The aim was to investigate the track towards the Korako glacier. We spent about 4 hours bush-bashing. Progress was slow but it was do-able even with heavy packs. Since the weather pattern was deteriotaing we decided to return in three days and head for the remote Korako Glacier for a 5 day attempt.

For more images of this tramp goto the following page -> PicasaWeb Album of Mount Talbot

Static view of the Route

For a Dynamic view of the route using Google Maps, Click here.