ZL1/WL-054 Remutaka

19/05/2024

Three blogs already exist on this summit, but as the high point was moving some distance away in June 2024, this activation was to be Remutaka’s Swan-song and worth a final mention. Always a popular, easy 4 pointer for Wellington and visiting activators. Remutaka had 30 activations logged up to it moving.

The new high point is now roughly two km away to the southwest. It will not be an easy summit to reach by comparison to its predecessor. Initial observations on a suitable route indicate that it will likely be quite a bush bash. There are signs of a very old track leading away in the general direction but it is certainly overgrown and may well fizz out completely in a short distance. Time will tell..

*The well formed track up to the summit*

*3/4 of the way up and to the right is the possible “track” to the new designated high point. Push into this for two meters and it’s hard to tell where to go. Take a big slasher!*

*The very comfy seat on ZL1/WL-054. In the mid ground of this photo sits the new Remutaka*-ZL1/WL-158.

On the day of this last activation the forecast was good to go, rather overcast at times, cold but only a very light breeze. I aimed to go through to roll over, but not stick around too long due to the cold. Band conditions were pretty good. Plenty of ZL and VK chasers made the activation a success. CW was the hero for getting the VK’s in the log. I tested out my newly acquired N6ARA tiny paddle and it worked well after getting a feel for it.