Maungatika

To reach Moonlight and Roses Hut, check the Dingle Peak route from Timaru Creek. Drop into the messy creek north of the hut and climb out to sidle the scrubby tussock flank. At the forks (1000m alt), cross to the true left and climb to reach the saddle north of Pt 1675. Sidle the southern flank of Pt 1685 featuring some scrambling onto rock ribs and aiming to reach the north ridge of Maungatika 500m before the summit. An interesting rock scramble leads to the high point. For a loop trip, continue over the summit and drop into the basin to the south. Sidle around Pt 1818 and regain the south ridge of Maungatika. Continue down the ridge and look for routes down to Timaru River after Pt1050. The lower part of the ridge is rugged. 3.5kms down river is Junction Flat.