Dragon's Teeth

Location: Kahurangi National Park

Date: March 2024

Author: Sam Fu-Allen

Participants: Sam, August, Colin, Emma

After what can only be described as one of DOCs historical attempts to breach the Geneva Convention, August and I woke sleep deprived thanks to the incredibly uncomfortable bunks. Such an experience was only made sweeter by Colin’s remarks of having slept like a baby alpaca, having been “held lovely and snug” by the chicken wire that the DOC dictionary considers to be a mattress. Once again the Kahurangi sun beamed down on us as one eagerly hyperactive and two marginally unmotivated hikers set off from Adelaide Tarn Hut.

Starting abruptly with a steep push up the Mt Douglas saddle, the mood rapidly improved as the quads burned and the hiking masochistic spirit returned. On breaching the pass, we were treated to a spectacular view of the Dragon’s Teeth high route; an impressive section of rugged bluffs with no clear path across. A brief moment of pathfinding down the pass culminating in a semi-controlled scramble quickly set the tone for the next 6-hours navigating the Dragon’s Teeth.

A few moments of backtracking were inevitable as gullys and animal tracks kept leading to impassable cliffs. However, thanks to the TinMan’s (not to be confused with Tony Stark) sun-bleached markers, the route was relatively well established. Several sections were frequently described as “low technicality but high consequence” requiring committing, rock climbing-esque moves (notably while carrying ~18kg packs). Perhaps enjoying the rock too much, August and I attempted to traverse a section while Colin went for the more sensible stream-filled gully. More sensible and Colin in one sentence? Well, while August successfully downclimbed, I managed to trap myself on some questionably wet terrain. My backpack sliding down to August’s waiting arms was quickly followed by my rapidly descending body. Colliding with August possibly saved me from significant injury but came at the cost of bruised knees, sore egos, and ripped thermals (that I still use to this day). Choosing to follow more sensible lines from this point forth, the high route continued with great exposure, consistent scrub bashing, and Class 3 scrambling before finally popping out onto the opposing ridge. The high route was officially completed!

Our euphoria for navigating through the Dragon’s Teeth high route quickly soured as we noted the remaining “path” was uncairned across classic undulating  terrain. Some frustrations later, a path was eventually identified. It was at this point that Colin chose to throw himself off the side of the mountain. With a spectacular somersault, our Hobbit party member attempted to leave the fellowship in favour of Cirque du Soleil (an application that is still being processed). After a pitstop for wound reviews and clinical rounding, Colin received medical clearance from the nearest healthcare professionals. The hiking continued and after trudging past the Drunken Sailors, Lonely Lake Hut came into view. Little could stop August from marching down to the little yellow hut, Colin and I following close behind. Lonely Lake Hut was the perfect end for our bruised and battered legs after a truly epic day of off-track hiking.