That's the rough plan for this weekend:

Leave Wellington at 3PM.

Get to the South Saddle on Friday (Nov 25th) early evening have a good meal and enjoy the sunset. On Saturday we walk out the one (directly back) or the other way... depends on the weather and when you have to get to the ballot box.

As the weather is volatile (as usual) and not at our favour (although these are not the Tararuas) the details will be decided on Thursday.

We might start pretty early (2 PM from Wellington?!)

From today's Dominion Post website:

Solar eclipse due over Wellington

Wellingtonians will get the best view of a partial solar eclipse on Friday, space agency Nasa says.

Nasa charts show the partial eclipse will be visible over the whole of the South Island and the lower half of the North Island in a line form Napier through to New Plymouth.

New Zealand will be the only populated landmass to see the eclipse.

It will occur about 7.30pm - just before sunset.

The weather is forecast to be clear over the capital on Friday, though it will be windy.

The maximum eclipse will be visible along the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in the Bellingshausen Sea.

It will be the fourth solar eclipse this year; some years have five.

- Fairfax Media

That trip transformed itself magically to a Trip to Tutuwai Hut, leaving Friday, pretty early 9AM or at 6:22PM from Wellington train station.

One or two places still available...

Cheers, Achim