Mount Sefton Ascent
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Copland Track
We have heavy packs for the walk in to Welcome Flat Hut.
We have heavy packs for the walk in to Welcome Flat Hut.
Copland River
Looking up the Copland Valley towards our route - the snowy ridge appearing below the cloud.
Looking up the Copland Valley towards our route - the snowy ridge appearing below the cloud.
Lower Scott's Creek
West Coast rivers can rise quickly when it rains.
West Coast rivers can rise quickly when it rains.
Scott's Creek waterfall
There are two ascent options to gain the glaciers - the waterfall route is an option if Scott's Creek is not too high.
There are two ascent options to gain the glaciers - the waterfall route is an option if Scott's Creek is not too high.
Scott's Creek bush track
An alternative route to Scott's Creek is up through the forest and alpine scrub - safe from flooding and avalanches, but hard work!
An alternative route to Scott's Creek is up through the forest and alpine scrub - safe from flooding and avalanches, but hard work!
Alpine Bivvy
We climb to the snow line and enjoy a "room with a view".
We climb to the snow line and enjoy a "room with a view".
High above the Copland Valley
We climb steep terrain onto the ridge after an early start from our bivvy.
We climb steep terrain onto the ridge after an early start from our bivvy.
Alpine start
Climbing into the first light of day as La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook appear on the horizon.
Climbing into the first light of day as La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook appear on the horizon.
Transitioning to alpine terrain
It is a relief to have firm cramponing conditions after the ascent through bush and scrub.
It is a relief to have firm cramponing conditions after the ascent through bush and scrub.
Welcome Pass and the Tekano Glacier
Our route crosses steep, avalanche-prone slopes. The summit of Mount Sefton is the peak on the far left.
Our route crosses steep, avalanche-prone slopes. The summit of Mount Sefton is the peak on the far left.
Views of the Southern Alps
Mount La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook come into view as we gain height.
Mount La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook come into view as we gain height.
High above the Copland Valley
Morning cloud still covers the valley below as we continue to climb higher.
Morning cloud still covers the valley below as we continue to climb higher.
Crossing the Tekano Glacier
We travel quickly to get across the slope before it softens, with La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook watching above us.
We travel quickly to get across the slope before it softens, with La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook watching above us.
Douglas Nevé
The glacier from Welcome Pass can often be heavily crevassed later in the season.
The glacier from Welcome Pass can often be heavily crevassed later in the season.
Approaching the summit
We ascend the final steep slopes to the top as the West Coast lies far below us under the cloud.
We ascend the final steep slopes to the top as the West Coast lies far below us under the cloud.
Final steep section to the summit
We climb several pitches of steeper terrain - this is often firm and icy.
We climb several pitches of steeper terrain - this is often firm and icy.
Summit ice cap
La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook watch us climb the final section.
La Perouse and Aoraki Mount Cook watch us climb the final section.
Enjoying the summit
We savour the hard earned view, but don't stay long as the cold wind bites us!
We savour the hard earned view, but don't stay long as the cold wind bites us!
Summit views
We look down the eastern side of Mount Sefton, to the Hooker Lake and Mount Cook Village far below.
We look down the eastern side of Mount Sefton, to the Hooker Lake and Mount Cook Village far below.
Summit ice formations
The summit is split in two, with the southern peak weather-beaten and covered in sustrugi.
The summit is split in two, with the southern peak weather-beaten and covered in sustrugi.
Douglas Nevé and the Sierra Range
We retrace our steps across the glacier to Welcome Pass.
We retrace our steps across the glacier to Welcome Pass.
Welcome Pass and Mount Sefton
We look back at our route up Mount Sefton before continuing our descent.
We look back at our route up Mount Sefton before continuing our descent.
Descending back to the bivvy
It's been a long day and we take care on our way down as the final light of the day fades.
It's been a long day and we take care on our way down as the final light of the day fades.
Alpine bivvy
Enjoying "breakfast in bed" after a big day yesterday.
Enjoying "breakfast in bed" after a big day yesterday.
Kea - New Zealand's alpine parrot
We have company from a local resident at our bivvy spot!
We have company from a local resident at our bivvy spot!
Upper Scott's Creek
Descending back to scrub, forest and river beds.
Descending back to scrub, forest and river beds.
Scott's Creek
Boulder-hopping past waterfalls back to the hot pools at Welcome Flat!
Boulder-hopping past waterfalls back to the hot pools at Welcome Flat!