Earnslaw

Description

The East Peak (highest) and is usually ascended from the north side via Kea Basin & Esquilant Biv (really a hut). In late summer it is a rock scramble with a couple of short rope pitches, there will still be some easy snow slopes below Wright Col. In winter & spring Mt Earnslaw is a snow / ice ascent. From the summit there are extensive views of Mt Aspiring National Park & Lake Wakatipu. Kea basin has a large natural rock-bivvy and is approached from the Rees River. The Earnslaw Burn gives spectacular views of the southern flank of Mt Earnslaw and its glacier and one can cross Lennox Pass to Kea Basin from here, Lennox Creek must be crossed in one place and this crossing is difficult to find.

Thanks to Andrew McCrorie for this description.