Godley Glacier

[Taz]

Hey.
I am REALLY keen to make it up to Godley Glacier this year after hearing about it and seeing some pics on here and Patrol4x4 in the past.
I've got 2 mates that are pretty keen but its uni/work dependent for them so thought I'd se if anyone else would be interested in heading down midish July or if anyone knows of any clubs trips down there that I might be able to join?
Cheers, Taz.

[pressy]

i would be keen on that trip at this stage.

[albundy]

If it gets pushed out to august, I'm keen. Doing Cape York in July. You can't drive all the way to the glacier lake itself, you have to walk the last part. Hut up that side, Red Stag Hut, rough and ready. More luxurious hut up macauley.
Al

[rob-mu]

Keen,Pm'd

[Taz]

If it gets pushed out to august, I'm keen. Doing Cape York in July. You can't drive all the way to the glacier lake itself, you have to walk the last part. Hut up that side, Red Stag Hut, rough and ready. More luxurious hut up macauley.
Al

I think Macauley hut looks like a better option in every way shape and form for that time of year
If anyone is really keen to rough it in a tent or snow cave I'm sure there is room around Macauley anyway

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/backcountry-huts-by-region/canterbury/te-manahuna-twizel-area/macaulay-hut/

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/backcountry-huts-by-region/canterbury/te-manahuna-twizel-area/red-stag-hut/

Don't mind going in August if its all good for the majority. Don't think there is any long weekends in either month to base around anyway.

What about the 7th and 8th of August and have the following weekend (14th and 15th) as a back up if there is bad weather?


Few links from here with some info and pics about the area for those interested.

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=17196&p=196582&hilit=macaulay#p196582
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=732&hilit=macaulay
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9694&p=106559&hilit=macaulay#p106559

[albundy]

I've done plenty of snow camping, it aint that hard or uncomfortable really, just got to prepare. When I was in the CLROC we always camped at red stag hut. Toughen up, your supposed to be from the mainland and I am supposed to be the queenslander Macualey hut can get very noisy and I always pitch a tent there. Seen some good barnies in there between hut folk, safer in a tent.
Al

[Taz]

I've done plenty of snow camping, it aint that hard or uncomfortable really, just got to prepare. When I was in the CLROC we always camped at red stag hut. Toughen up, your supposed to be from the mainland and I am supposed to be the queenslander Macualey hut can get very noisy and I always pitch a tent there. Seen some good barnies in there between hut folk, safer in a tent.
Al

I can sleep in the truck so don't mind the smaller hut but if a bigger better equiped hut is nearby then it seems like the way to go.

You know the area far better than I do so whats your view on the wheeling and sights around each hut as thats what we are there for.
As I understand it Red Stag is on the main drag and Macaulay is a dead end but is not that far out of the way, and is another area to have a gander at.

I don't really give a crap just so long as I'm there somewhere

[Taz]

twodiffs has some wicked pics of the area 3rd of the way down the page of this link in case anyone needs help convincing the minister of finance and recreation.

http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=345222&highlight=macaulay#post345222

[albundy]

Either spend the first night in Tekapo so you get an early start up the Godley to the Glacier. That's no problem as I know of houses for rent down that way. Don't stay at campground, super rip off there. You can risk leaving CHC early but you run the risk of frosts and black ice. Early start up the Godley is a must as you have to walk the last part to the glacier lake. Then drive back down and up to the Macualey hut. You usually get there mid arvoish so most likely people in the hut by then. This is how I have always done it. Otherwise do the other way. There is an open bath at Macualey that you can use if you throw some wood under it. Dudes can always go for a shot as well, plenty of chamios.
If we decide on august I am more then happy to lead trip, won't organise as I will be up Cape York way. I'll leave that for Taz.
Al

[PR]

I am keen

[minimun]

This is pretty much the trip of been looking for
Since i've got a fairly stock truck, reckon you, or anyone, could write up a few suggestions as to what would be needed for such a trip, both vehicle specs and gear

Cheers

[Taz]

Either ...snip...
Al

Sounds like a plan. Would be awesome if you could do that Al.

House is a goer. Will get that sorted a bit closer to the date.

Might as well concrete Fri the 6th of August to Sunday the 8th now. Only 4 months away

[Taz]

This is pretty much the trip of been looking for
Since i've got a fairly stock truck, reckon you, or anyone, could write up a few suggestions as to what would be needed for such a trip, both vehicle specs and gear

Cheers

Al would have a better idea but looks like it will be mainly snow, ice if its been packed down before we get in there, some rocks/shingle and some river crossings that should be quite low, so prepare for that

i.e.
Good range of rope lengths.
Rated hook/s front and rear.
Chains if you've got them. Probably want them if your on A/T's.
Snorkel is your call but if you don't have one, you'll need one living down here anyway...
Hi lift with a snig chain or a handwinch would be handy but there should be a few vehicle mounted winches.

Probably missed a few things but thats off the top of my head. Also the usual First Aid Kit and warm gear etc etc.
PRS radio would be handy. I'm sure you could borrow or hire one if you can't afford one yet.

[philux]

pencil me in

[rob-mu]

Dudes can always go for a shot as well, plenty of chamios.

NOW I'm excited:>

[haydgq]

You S.I guys are lucky to have those areas down there, Here's a few pic's for the guys that havent been there.

Macauley Hut







The Bath



And the only pic i have of the other hut.

[albundy]

Carry enough food for an extra three days, just in case if we get caught in a blizzard down there it would take that long to get out. And I would definitely go with a snorkel down that way, even when snowing the macauley can get deep in places and swift. I will have to sort the house before i go to Oz in July, will styart asking around now, but your going to have to be the lead organiser Taz, if you don't mind.

Al

[tangy]

Id be keen. Would this be suitable for a first time trip ?

[juz]

Keen also, Gives me a date to fix things by!
CV, brakes,winch...

[albundy]

Id be keen. Would this be suitable for a first time trip

Ya gotta start somewhere cobber. We'll get ya there and home too. Just can't gaurantee what state you will be in.
Al

[mike]

its a long way to go to NOT use the bath!! make sure you bloody well use it as its awesome !! took a laser up there at xmas and could shine it onto the furtherst peaks was fun

[niblik]

its a long way to go to NOT use the bath!! make sure you bloody well use it as its awesome !! took a laser up there at xmas and could shine it onto the furtherst peaks was fun

bloody geek...

i'd be keen for this if all is done in time.. be a bit of an intiation to winter.. see how it all goes, but keen..

[ClassicCruiserSpares]

Id be keen also its a good trip ive been up there before chamios and tar hunting.

[daymo]

Sounds like a great trip. Never been out that way before, and in Winter, should be quite a spectacle. Pencil me in!

[Taz]

Id be keen. Would this be suitable for a first time trip ?

Like Al said, you have to start somewhere and something like this is way better than driving in circles around the mak and ashley
At least if your unfortunate to have something break or get damaged its worth the effort.

[Steve_t647]

Check in with me in Aug, I am keen to go and my Dad also wants to go back up there also. Just not sure with work we have plan's happening in Aug.

[red-devil]

im keen too. just need to plan ahead for mum and lili

[smurf182]

Pencil me in if that's OK I've always wanted to do this trip. Bring on the snow!

[niblik]

thinkin i may like to do this too... have a batch in kimble available to use prior and post..

gotta work on some roof ideas prior though..!

[PR]

Take me off the pencil list as I wont be Available