Curtis Ridge

Curtis Ridge is the main dividing ridge between the Manganui and the Kapuni Gorges. Its lower southern reaches are bisected by steep gullies which give rise to the Waingongoro River. The route is not now officially maintained since a fatality in the summer of 1988, but it is still discernible to the tussock line. It can be used by the enthusiast who wishes to get away from the beaten track. The upper section of Curtis Ridge is exposed and prone to rock and icefalls. Find the track entrance about 200m below the Flying Fox on the vehicle track above the Stratford Plateau. The eroded track sidles along the northern slope until it joins the ridge proper on the mossy slopes below a prominent rocky outcrop named the Priests Fingers at 1580 m. From the Priests Fingers the route follows the scoria ridge until merging with the main peak below and slightly to the south of Mackay Rocks. Traverse left and join the southern route to the south entrance. There are no huts on the route but Syme Hut below can be accessed from the point where Curtis Ridge merges with the main peak.