An expedition to climb a new route on a remote peak in Antarctica sets off this month.
This is the final expedition to get underway of seven groups awarded Hillary Expedition Grants by SPARC last year.
The objective for the small group of Kiwi climbers going to Antarctica is a new route to the summit of Mt Parry, a striking 2520m long ridge which rises straight out of the sea. They leave in mid-February, and will sail across the Drake Passage from South America.
The climbers will set up a base camp on Brabant Island and will be relying on their extensive experience in the mountains to achieve success in remote Antarctica.
Another group which got underway this summer was an expedition to explore underground caves near Mt Arthur in Kahurangi National Park.
The group of cavers explored the Ellis Basin Cave system. The cave goes underwater and the group used diving equipment and piping to siphon off water to further explore the cave. For their trip reports see www.nzcaving.com.
Another expedition awarded a Hillary Expedition Grant by SPARC is continuing.
Kayakers with the Adventure Philosophy – Lifeblood of the Nation Expedition have been making first descents of rivers, descending extreme rivers and also raising awareness of the importance of rivers in New Zealand. More information on their journey can be found on www.passion4adventure.blogspot.com/.
SPARC has also been pleased to support South Pole explorer Jamie Fitzgerald and Kiwi adventurer Graeme Dingle on their journey along the Te Araroa Trail. Starting from each end of the country, they have been giving small groups of young people the adventure of their lifetimes. The groups have tramped, kayaked, mountain biked, rafted and taken part in many other outdoor pursuits along the way. Today they meet up in Wellington where the public will get the chance to celebrate with them as they go from Civic Square to Parliament in a street parade.
The groups which completed their expeditions last year were:
- The four members of the New Zealand Himalayan Big Wall Expedition, who succeeded in climbing a significant new route on Nafees Spire of K7 in the Karakorum ranges of Pakistan.
- New Zealander Pat Deavoll, who made the first ascent of Karim Sar (6180m) in the Batura region of northern Pakistan.
- New Zealand climbers Penny Goddard and Lydia Bradey who climbed in the remote Sichuan province of China.
The Hillary Expeditions initiative was launched in 2002. To qualify for a grant, expeditions had to include any one or combination of the following activities: tramping, mountaineering, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, white water and/or sea kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing.
