Saturday 17th August 2024
Six intrepid Hokitika Tramping Club members met at the at our traditional location, the BP carpark in Hokitika. From here we drove north of Greymouth following towards Punakaiki to the start of this unofficial track only mostly only known to locals. The track starts just North of 10 mile on the east side of the road opposite a driveway and is now helpfully marked on Google maps. Blink and you will miss it. It is possible to park further up in a safer car park and walk down the road.
The track climbs immediately from the road and is steep however there are a number of areas where it flattens off providing good places to catch your breath. It doesn’t long to exit the bush and enter sub-alpine territory. Bench seats have been installed at various points allowing you to sit and enjoy the view. Just below the 200m mark a tricky of the track begins as the track sidles around a mud stone cliff face. It is here that some people may find themselves outside of there comfort zones as the track climbs a dodgy ladder and rope up a steep gut. If it is raining I do not recommend attempting this section of the climb. Once you reach the top of the gut however the track becomes easier as you make the final climb. Upon reaching the top we were rewarded with epic 360degree views looking north towards Punakaiki, west out over the Tasman sea, south to Point Elizabeth and Greymouth and East towards the Paparoa range.
This tramp was a great day out and took us less time than expected (2 and half hours). Mt George is a great day tramp for all levels. While some of us carried onto the top, those who weren’t comfortable climbing were still able to enjoy great views from the benched seat below. Mt George (320m) you little beauty!
Joy Comrie, David Searle, Karen Jordan, Anand Mohan & Vicky Youngman (Walkers)
Brent Robinson (Member)