Off the beaten track - the Olivine Wilderness Area

Flying along the Alpine Fault towards Theta Tarn, on the edge of the Olivine Wilderness Area.

South Westland's answer to the Pink and White Terraces: orange thermal terraces near Theta Tarn.

A tree branch lies on deep orange thermal terraces near Theta Tarn.

The dripping of mineral-charged water has created strange shapes in the Theta thermal area.

Weeping form of rimu twigs mirror stalactites behind.

A world of green--the defining colour of the South Westland and Fiordland forests. Mick Abbott (standing) and John McCallum, of Little River and Lyttelton respectively.

A feature of the Olivine Wilderness is a band of red ultramafic rock that outcrops as a range called the Red Hills. Travel through the wilderness entails crossing many rockfalls of massive sharp-edged boulders that sometimes tilt alarmingly as you step on them.

Barrier Range looms above the trampers as they descend to the Pyke River.

Very little plant life grows on the Red Hills, which glow in sunset light.

John McCallum climbs a rock-studded slope near Stag Pass after snow.

Despite their tropical appearance, mountain cabbage trees are at home in snow at high altitude.

Map showing location of Olivine Wilderness Area.