Trip Date: December 30, 2015

2015 NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE VACATION

Peak Hill Day Hike

Peak Hill View Knob
Peak Hill (4068 ft / 1240 m)

Trip Report Summary

Region: New Zealand

Sub-Region: South Island

Sub-Sub-Region: Canterbury / Waitaha

Sub-Sub-Sub Region: Lake Coleridge – Rakaia River Area

Starting & Ending Point: Peak Hill Trailhead on Algidus Road (Elev. 2000 feet / 600 meters)

Way Points: Peak Hill Fenceline Track junction & Peak Hill view knob & Peak Hill summit (trail hike via Peak Hill Track)

Summit: Peak Hill (hike via Southeast Ridge)

Approximate Stats: 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometers traveled; 2550 feet / 780 meters gained & lost; 1.5 hours up; 1.3 hours down.

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Full Trip Report

While staying in the Lake Coleridge area, Eileen and I took a New Years Eve-eve hike up Peak Hill. Although the name is about as banal as you could get, the summit really is a worthy destination.

A steep, rough trail leads from Algidus Road through a pasture, up to a viewpoint knob on the peak’s southeastern shoulder. It might be tempting to stop here, but keep hiking upward along the ridge crest until you reach the summit.

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From the broad summit dome, we gained a sweeping view of Lake Coleridge and much of the Southern Alps. It takes a bit of work to get here, but the scenery justifies the effort.

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Route Map

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Photo Gallery

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