Purple Hill ZL3/CB-391 7th March 20220
Purple Hill is one of those geographical features where someone must of had a sense of humour or a touch of devilment when they named this thing a hill rather than a Mountain. Having climbed Purple Hill a few times in the past this question always arose around the first hour, however this Hill Mountain is well worth the effort for its commanding views, topography and naturally the 6 points you bag at the top.
Noting it had never been activated I conned Steve ZL2UCX to join me "route looks steepish David" "what do you mean ?" I replied ". No pulling the wool over Steve's eyes as he was looking at an on line Topo map during our phone call.
Up for a good day out Steve was eager to join the adventure, blotting out any thoughts of squashed contours we were off....
Getting there
Purple Hill is on state highway 73 on the Christchurch West Coast highway,travel time is about one and a half hours.You can park at the DOC camp site and walk around the lake or travel a further 200 meters where there is a locked gate from where we started.
Walking
Making our way along a farm track we crossed a number of fences and paddocks eventually picking a spur just short of Long Hill Saddle.
Grinding steadily up we soon hit that one hour point where the discussion gravitated to "why is this called a bl**dy Hill" ? By the time the deliberation was complete we were nearing the summit. Sheltering behind a rock from a mildly building Norwest Wind a quick draw banana was flicked out of my pocket while Steve sunk his teeth into an apple.
Steve ZL2UCX on the spur with Lake Grasmere left, Lake Sarah right and Waimakariri river
Moving on the summit quickly came into site, Steve stayed back out of the 25m vertical zone while I lay down behind the summit's rocky crag and attempted to make the first QSO with him. Total silence, just that good old sound of the Norwest as it ripped past my ear drums. Unfortunately Steve could only operate on a certain frequency and I had messed up the frequency my end, thank goodness for the back to mother earth approach - "hand signals" - it was not long before Steve was beside me and another devastating blow for my SOTA mentors. On that note and on cue across at Trig M a S2S call from Geoff ZL3GA cracked across the radio on 146.500 making it the first QSO for the summit.
Remaining on top of a Hill is never a lot of fun during a Norwest so we dropped down off the south east side. Staying within the activation zone we soon rattled off a number of 2mtr calls to the locals helped by a good line of site into Christchurch.It was now time to set up for HF with plenty of room albeit on a slope.
Myself ZL3DRN starting off the first HF QSO with Jackie ZL1WA
In the photo top centre is Purple Hill summit where there is an old metal stake suitable for strapping a pole to in more suited conditions. Our pole had to be fully stayed
Steve operating, looking east Black Water Lake top right and Waimakariri Gorge centre
After both making a number of HF SSB QSO's it was time for a spot of lunch then back to the ridge line for a scree run down to Lake Pearson.From the summit traverse south for about 375 meters where you will pick up the mid fan of the scree. This scree system is steep and scrappy in places, you can easily run the risk of tumbling so do not attempt this route home if you are not experienced on scree. Alternatively return back the way you came albeit a little harder on your knee's - walking poles recommended for both descents.
Top of scree, Lake Pearson below with West Coast highway beyond
The above photo shows Purple Hill summit and our scree entry point, be aware this scree is very deceptive in length.At the bottom pick up an animal track leading into native forest, keep right as much as possible. The terrain then opens up making navigation more easily with views towards the lake beyond.
Steve breathing a sigh of relief to see he still has a sole on his boots
After a short break and a check of our gear we headed for the lake edge protected by a 10 meter band of three meter high matagouri. Most excellent I thought NOT, bashing our way through this thorny maze we finally emerged at the lake edge complete with the usual blood battle scars associated with such self inflicted activities.You could be forgiven to believe this is where the journey gets easier however if the lake is up it makes it near impossible to walk along the 1.5km lake edge. Matagouri once again stands in your way thick against the mountain side, yip only one thing for it, wade into the lake.
All in all by sticking to the water's edge you are not entering any great depth, more than often if the lake happens to be high it will be around this level. With the lake at its normal level you should be able to get around dry.
The legs of Steve ZL2UCX complete with depth tester preparing for the plunge
Wading along we soon arrived at the bottom of the lake greeted by a swamp (the trendy term for this is wet land). Wet it was but how more wetter can you really get ? In truth with a lower lake you can scoot around it, in this case to do so would have been a very muddy plug.
Once past the head of the lake we returned with squeaky boots along the route we started off on, arriving back at the car mid afternoon after a very enjoyable day out.
Umm maybe a hill ?
Summary
Distance - 5.5km to summit, 12.5km return via scree
Altitude climbed - 1050m
Time up - 3 to 3.5 hrs
Time return - 3 to 3.5 hrs via scree
Terrain - Hard
Navigation skills - Basic to moderate
Permission required - Yes private land please ring Grasmere Station
This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.
The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.
