Field trip to the Rock and Pillar Range

The Rock and Pillar Range is located northwest of Dunedin. Travelling time to the base of the Range from Dunedin is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The eastern side of the range rises steeply from the Strath Taieri and reaches an altitude of 1450 metres. There are extensive areas of alpine herbfield on the upper slopes with the summit plateau being dominated by cushion vegetation. At this time of the year the late snowbank species will be emerging and flowering. We can expect to see Ranunculus species, Caltha obtusa and the Rock and Pillar endemics, Kelleria villosa var. barbata, Abrotanella patearoa and Celmisia haastii var. tomentosa in addition to numerous other alpine species. There is 4WD access to Leaning Lodge hut and the top of the range. Dress warmly as the summit plateau is cold and subject to strong winds.