Climie

Climbing high above Upper Hutt, Mount Climie stands as a silent guardian, its slopes cloaked in deep green. Don’t let its imposing presence fool you though. Climie is a welcoming giant, offering a relatively easy hike to its summit. This 12km round trip is a popular choice for families seeking a taste of adventure. The journey starts at Tunnel Gully, where a short stroll along Tane’s Track leads you into a realm of ancient podocarps. In the early days of summer, vivid red rata blossoms add splashes of color to the forest. Climie is a mountain of two halves. The first part of the climb is a steep ascent through regenerating forest and groves of lemonwood. You’ll know you’re reaching the gentler slopes when you encounter red beech and mountain toi trees. The very top of Climie is a world of its own. Moss-covered silver beech trees dominate the ridge, their branches often shrouded in mist. Up here, the air is noticeably cooler and the wind can whip up suddenly. Be prepared for a sudden chill, even in summer. From the summit ridge, marked by a series of telecommunication towers, the views are breathtaking. South Climie, slightly higher than its northern counterpart, boasts panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Remutaka Range unfolds before you, while Climie Creek carves its way through the landscape below. On a clear day, you can spot the rugged Tararua Range to the north and the glistening waters of Lake Wairarapa to the east. Look closely, and you might even glimpse the distant outline of Cape Palliser, jutting out into the vast Pacific. Climie is captivating. It’s a place where you can stand above the clouds and feel a sense of wonder at the raw beauty of the natural world.