Mount Ossa and camping

[kmcgreg]

Hi, just wondering if there anywhere to camp between new Pelion and Kia ora if you are climbing mt ossa?

Also what is the climb up like? Are there many areas with sheer drops? Just trying work out if this is doable for everyone in my group...we head off in 2 weeks. Hopefully conditions will be cooler!

[alanoutgear]

If it's dry and you can carry water for overnight, there are plenty of flat areas at the Pelion east/Mt. Doris saddle. There is also a pack pack drop platform here and large tree trunks that you could use for your camp. If its been raining, the tracks flow with plenty of water, otherwise you'd have to carry it up from the creek on the way up to the saddle.

The other option for a camp would be Pinestone Valley on the way down to Kia Ora. This is more sheltered than the saddle, and water may be closer in the creek. My preference would be the saddle camp if you've got good gear (in case the weather gets dodgy overnight).

In terms of climbing Ossa, sheer drops aren't the issue, but there is a bit of a slog up the last slope. I've seen 70+ year olds climb Ossa, so with reasonable fitness everyone should be able to make it, and on a clear day the views are just magic.

[kmcgreg]

Thanks for the tips - we have decided to stick to the designated camps spots but will definitely be going up MT Ossa.

[walkinglou]

Hi, will be walking the OLT in early April this year. Want to climb Mt Ossa but fear the distance from New Pelion to Kia Ora with climb in between may be too much. noticed that you intended to do it in Jan this year after receiving info about possible camp sites near by. What was you experience?

[Overlandman]

Hi Walkinglou,
Welcome to the forum
If you leave early from Pelion Hut the walk is doable in April (no day light savings), once you are at Pelion Gap & take the pack off you will move much quicker with a day pack climbing Ossa, then its down hill to Kiora.
Regards Overlandman

[north-north-west]

I've walked Kia Ora to New Pelion in May, summitting both Ossa & Pelion East on the way. It's not very far.

[Phil]

I got from Pelion Hut to Kia Ora in 90 minutes a couple of weeks ago. Oh wait, that's right, we were running....... and with not much on our backs!

[walkinglou]

Thanks Overlandman and north north west. you have given us confidence. We will cross our fingers on the weather and give it a go. Great forum by the way. the things you find when you need them!

[hellsbellstaz]

it is amazing how much quicker you can walk with just a day pack..

[Peak Bagpiper]

Just did Ossa on the weekend. Out of Pelion Hut at 9am, having a tune on the summit of Ossa by 12.30. Did East Pelion as well after that and we were back at Pelion Hut before 6. That was on a soggy day as well and I had a full pack, so I'd say a walk to Kia Ora via Ossa is very doable. If Ossa is under cloud and you only had time to do one, I'd suggest East Pelion if it was clear. The view from there (while we had it) was brilliant and the climb to the summit is exhilarating!

[north-north-west]

There is no way you could stand on the true summit o0f Pelion East with those things.

[corvus]

There is no way you could stand on the true summit o0f Pelion East with those things.

How do you come to that conclusion n-n-w?
corvus

[tibboh]

There is no way you could stand on the true summit o0f Pelion East with those things.

How do you come to that conclusion n-n-w?
corvus

A tiny finger of dolerite.......he'd have to have ninja-like balance.