An elegant traverse over the summit of Major Peak, Wakatipu (2126m).
On Saturday we climbed the spur on the true right of Lake Face Creek, then up the west face to the summit. We descended to the north east, then crossed over the east ridge onto the southern slopes of the mountain. We camped at 1500m of elevation, high above Luna Basin.
On Sunday we descended to Lake Luna, then walked south past Dukes Tarn, crossed Twenty Five Mile Creek and over Reidys Spur to Mount Creighton Station.
Party: Ed Ivison, Kat Manno, Juliet Meldrum, Robert Schadewinkel, Danilo Hegg.

Route description:

From Lake Wakatipu (west face):
From the gravel pit on the north side of Lake Face Creek, follow a 4WD track then sheep trails through the scrub, which lead to open country above. It's easy walking up the spur on the true right of Lake Face Creek to the 1700m contour, where it is possible to sidle right onto the face of Major Peak. Cross a boulder field then up a broad ledge before scrambling on steep but easy rock directly to the summit.

South to Lake Luna:
From the summit of Major Peak, descend 50m to the north east, zig-zagging on ledges between small rock steps, then follow below the east ridge to a scree shoulder at 2000m of elevation. At one point it is necessary to descend on scree on the Wire Creek side, then climb again to regain the ridge. Here, a good diagonal scree gully leads down the south side of the mountain to a tarn at 1800m of elevation. A long diagonal descending sidle to the right, on good animal trails across bluffs, leads to easier slopes above Luna Basin. There is a flat area with another small tarn at 1500m of elevation, at CB10 429 154. Continue sidling diagonally down right on tussock slopes and across two spurs to the easy open ground above Luna Creek.

As to April 2016 the route is entirely on private land and permission for access must be obtained from the manager of Mount Creighton Station, phone 03 442 9934.