"Sometimes the best adventures come from trying to save a bit of cash. During a road trip near Queenstown, the price of accommodation pushed us toward a last-minute plan: find a hut we could hike to and crash in for the night. That decision led us to Breast Hill, a sharp ridge rising above Lake Hāwea with a reputation for steep gradients and big views. We weren’t sure if the hut would be full, but the approach looked short enough to justify the gamble. The first part of the track lulled us into a rhythm before the climb suddenly steepened, turning into hands-on scrambling that demanded focus—especially with packs. Reaching Pakituhi Hut in blasting wind, we found it tucked just below the crest, sheltered and almost completely full. But “almost” was good enough. After dropping gear, we made one final push up Breast Hill for sunset. The view over the lake and distant peaks was unreal. The whole experience—short, spicy climb, windswept ridgeline, hut life—made this a one-night trip that punched well above its weight. More details are on my site." — Waterboy • Nov 24, 2023

"While heading to Jubilee Hut via the Silver Peaks track I made the small detour to the top of Pulpit Rock. IMO it is more impressive to look at and from than the nearby Green Hill or even Silver Peak." — glennj • Jun 22, 2020

"Started in Queenstown and walked the Tiki Track to the Gondola summit. Met up with the Ben Lomond track all under heavy cloud. Passed the saddle still in cloud. As I approached the summit I broke through the cloud to an amazing view of mountain peaks, sunshine and the tops of fluffy clouds. AMAZING! Took 3 hours from Queenstown. Worked vary hard towards the end of the summit! Well worh it!" — ytee • Jan 14, 2015

"My second time up. I did it three years ago with my husband who also did it today. It seemed easier this time around, and we also walked back down. The weather was perfect for hiking. " — ronnie.g.harris • Jul 19, 2014

"I was on a NOLS semester in New Zealand. We hiked up to this campsite and since everyone was so pooped we decided to take a rest day. That night a huge storm rolled in and was threatening to take down our tents. Every 15 minutes or so for at least 5 hours we had to get out of our sleeping bags and re-secure the guy lines, and brace the poles of our tents with our backs to make sure they didn't snap under the stress. Finally got to sleep around 4:30am and woke up early and cheerful to about a foot and a half of snow on the ground." — katenogz • Apr 6, 2011