11 Nov 2026

The weather had other ideas for our planned Ball Pass trip, but a little change of plans opened up some great exploring in the Cass Valley instead.

O’Leary’s Hut sits just far enough east of the Main Divide to escape the worst of the weather, and was still holding enough snow to put crampons and ice axe skills to good use. We spent 3 enjoyable days exploring up towards the high passes along the ridgeline, with spectacular views stretching across Lake Tekapo and the Gamack Range.

A beautiful alpine tarn, plenty of time in the mountains, and, to top it all off, we even managed to get the hot tub fired up and heated!

Not quite the original plan, but a pretty epic alternative. 🤙

📷 A. Reiser

🔗 https://alpinerecreation.com/new-zealand-alpine-hikes-trekking-and-snowshoeing/new-zealand-alpine-treks-and-hikes/tekapo-hut-to-hut-trek

#CassValley #AlpineTrekking #HikeTekapo #TekapoAdventures #OLearysHut