I'm thinking of going on a tramp from St Arnaud to Lewis Pass over the Christmas holidays and wondered if anyone can recommend a good guide book that covers the route?  And anyone know how easy it is getting transport out of Lewis Pass (apart from hitchiking)?

Also, if anyone wants to join me, they are more than welcome to.  I'm planning on starting on the 5th of January. 

Sven Brabyn, Tramping in the South Island: Richmond Forest Park to Arthurs Pass is your man.

Could find it at the Library.

You'll either want to do the fast route - over Waiau Pass and down the Waiau (hopefully destocked by then) to the St James or the more interesting Waiau Pass -> Lake Thompson -> East Matakitaki -> West Matakitaki -> 3 Tarn Pass -> St James walkway.

 Of course if you were looking for something a bit different you could try David Saddle to the East Matakitaki, or maybe just right up to the very head of the Durville.  Or even sneak along the tops from Burn Creek dropping down to Bobs hut.  Maybe come over the ridge from the Matakitaki to Camera Gully and have a sniff at Faerie Queene on the way past.

; )

 So many options, impossible to have a bad trip!

Cheers Richie.

Got it out of the library today.  Just need to sit down and a have a good read of all the options now.  Can't wait to go!

Cheers,

James