A quick break near the top of the tree line after an early start from Ada Pass Hut.

Sidling up the valley trying not to lose much hard won height.

Beautiful tarns hang in the valley.

Another break on the way up.

It's all mounds of rock debri from here.

Climbing the steep and unstable rock to the col.

It was impossible not to cause mini rock slides here. We have to be very careful.

Checking out Gloriana Peak from the col (2019m) while sheltering from the wind.

Off they go for the peak.

Jonathan, Natasha and Chris descent 100m+ to sidle around to the NW side of Gloriana Peak. Toni and I decide this is far enough.

Gloriana Peak (2218m) top right.

It is actually the slightly lower SW peak, Gloriana itself is hidden behind.

Watching the others pick their way through the choss to Gloriana Peak.

Flowering vegetable sheep.

Crampons back on for the descent off the col.

These snow runners mean business!

Descending the remnant snow below the col.

A much more pleasant option than the steep crumble on the sides.

The hanging lake in the valley.

Magnificent country!

Descending to Ada Pass Hut above the Maruia River valley.

A little Rock Wren (Xenicus gilviventris).

They're very cute.

A froglet.

Introduced we think.

A froglet with its tadpole tail still on.

An early morning start from Ada Pass Hut.

To get back in time for work. :(

The St James Walkway in Cannibal Gorge.

The bridge across the Maruia River in Cannibal Gorge.

Our route to the col.