until those wood stoves are cranked
up. In summer the ambience is more
inviting, as are the numerous green
pools in the river which is easily forded
at normal levels.
A bit of flood damage has occurred
on the main valley track since the
DoC visit, mostly scouring along the
riverbanks, and nothing too difficult to
get around. There are moderate deer
numbers throughout the valley and the
amount of sign increases as you get
further up towards Top Robinson. It is
not uncommon to spook the odd animal
on the walk in. Travel times are around
four hours between huts. The Robinson
branches a short distance above the top
hut and a steep track takes you up the
dividing ridge to the open tussock. A
poled route leads from here, sidling
high and dropping over a saddle
into the Blue Grey Valley and Lake
Christabel. The Lewis Pass tops are in
most cases exceptionally good travel.
The peaks on both sides of the Robinson,
mostly unnamed, are stretched out in
linear fashion and average around 1600m.
There are numerous small hanging basins,
often with tarns, providing excellent
camping. Both deer and chamois can be
encountered above the treeline, which
usually ends abruptly without the usual
alpine scrub-bash to contend with. There
is an ancient track at the end of the rangeon the true right of the Robinson
valley that would provide direct
access back down to the roadend
for anyone game enough to do
a traverse. At least one Permolat
member has expressed an interest
in getting this old route back up to
scratch.
You won’t find a huge amount
of information on the Robinson
out there on the internet, so we
suggest you go check it out
for yourselves. It’s well
worth a visit.Designed by Hunters, for Hunters. Made exclusively in Ashburton
using NZ made products. Waterproof Canvas & Carry Bags
Brent Smith, Joke, and
Mauricio heading up the
Robinson
Photo: Brent SmithTop Robinson HutAugust / September 2019 ~ NZ HUNTER MAGAZINE 69until those wood stoves are cranked
up. In summer the ambience is more
inviting, as are the numerous green
pools in the river which is easily forded
at normal levels.
A bit of flood damage has occurred
on the main valley track since the
DoC visit, mostly scouring along the
riverbanks, and nothing too difficult to
get around. There are moderate deer
numbers throughout the valley and the
amount of sign increases as you get
further up towards Top Robinson. It is
not uncommon to spook the odd animal
on the walk in. Travel times are around
four hours between huts. The Robinson
branches a short distance above the top
hut and a steep track takes you up the
dividing ridge to the open tussock. A
poled route leads from here, sidling
high and dropping over a saddle
into the Blue Grey Valley and Lake
Christabel. The Lewis Pass tops are in
most cases exceptionally good travel.
The peaks on both sides of the Robinson,
mostly unnamed, are stretched out in
linear fashion and average around 1600m.
There are numerous small hanging basins,
often with tarns, providing excellent
camping. Both deer and chamois can be
encountered above the treeline, which
usually ends abruptly without the usual
alpine scrub-bash to contend with. There
is an ancient track at the end of the range
on the true right of the Robinson
valley that would provide direct
access back down to the roadend
for anyone game enough to do
a traverse. At least one Permolat
member has expressed an interest
in getting this old route back up to
scratch.
You won’t find a huge amount
of information on the Robinson
out there on the internet, so we
suggest you go check it out
for yourselves. It’s well
worth a visit.DesignedbyHunters,forHunters. MadeexclusivelyinAshburton
usingNZmadeproducts. WaterproofCanvas&CarryBags
Brent Smith, Joke, and
Mauricio heading up the
Robinson
Photo: Brent SmithTop Robinson HutAugust / September 2019 ~ NZ HUNTER MAGAZINE 69