| Section 2: Moa Hunt Earland Falls - Oceans Ridge Key Points: Earland Falls. 7.1km. 1000m Sunny Creek Toilet. 8.2km. 1000m The Orchard. 9.5km. 1000m Lake MacKenzie Hut. 11.8km. 900m Top Of The Tree Line. 13.0km. 1050m Ocean Ridge. 14.0km. 1220m |  |
As the gradient flattens from Earland Falls, you be will rewarded with an ancient forest draped in moss and lichen, with an emerging backdrop of Darran Mountains as the sun lights up the western side of the Hollyford Valley. It is worth noting that because you are on the eastern side of the valley you won’t feel the warmth of the sun on your back until you leave Lake MacKenzie. Gloves, arm warmers and beanie might be a smart choice.
For those who are struggling to contain their excitement, there is a conveniently, though bizarrely located toilet a kilometre after Earland Falls.
The picturesque view across Lake MacKenzie and up to Emily Pass, is one you will often see in brochures and magazines. Lake MacKenzie is also the location of the last known sighting of the Moa, as recently as 2003. For competitors, Lake MacKenzie serves as an aid station, and compulsory gear check.
For those who are struggling to contain their excitement, there is a conveniently, though bizarrely located toilet a kilometre after Earland Falls.
The picturesque view across Lake MacKenzie and up to Emily Pass, is one you will often see in brochures and magazines. Lake MacKenzie is also the location of the last known sighting of the Moa, as recently as 2003. For competitors, Lake MacKenzie serves as an aid station, and compulsory gear check.
Leaving Lake MacKenzie, above you to the west is the imposing face of Ocean Ridge, which serves as your next climb. The climb can be broken into two halves. The first half in the forest with rough uneven rock cut stairs. The second half a series of heart breaking switch-backs in open alpine daisies, and buttercups.
