We encountered this Kea on our second day while walking down from French Ridge Hut in New Zealand. The bird was silently sitting on the pole, waiting for us.
It you want to see Kea, head into the Matukituki Valley and you will not be disappointed ๐
We encountered this Kea on our second day while walking down from French Ridge Hut. The bird was silently sitting on the pole, waiting for us.
It you want to see Kea, head into the Matukituki Valley and you will not be disappointed ๐
Morning on our second day. Surprisingly warm inside the hut despite no heating. Cold outside with slight frost on the snow.
A weekend mish up to French Ridge Hut to have a look what the Quaterdeck Pass looks like.
A freezing start on the MTB through the valley followed by the (I'd say Great) walk and climb towards French Ridge Hut.
In the hut we dropped our bags and wondered up for about an hour until we had a clear view of the Quaterdeck Pass and the Breakaway.
Back down to the hut for us after that to cozy up and walk out the next day.
This trip was June 27 & 28. We did bring crampons and an ice axe with us but didn't use it really. I reckon the hut will get a good layer of proper snow with the front coming in this weekend.
These photos were taken on June 27 2026, about an hour up from French Ridge Hut.
The left arrow points at the Breakaway and the right arrow at the Quarterdeck Pass.
Photos ๐ธ
That time I brought a 600mm lens with me up on the climb to French Ridge Hut ๐ธ
Some first snow around Mueller Hut in New Zealand this week. Winter is coming for us down here :)