After a 10 hour flight to Christchurch overnight I landed this morning at 1030am, picked up the rental car then picked up climbing partner Big Al (Alan Silva) who flew over from Sydney. We then drove the 5 hours down to Mt Cook Village where we are currently staying tonight in Unwin Lodge (run by NZ alpine club).
That was the good news. The bad news is it is hosing down with rain, and the forecast for the next 4 days is solid rain, lots of snow at higher altitudes and gale force winds of 80 – 100km per hour. Getting out the door of the hut is a problem let alone onto a mountain.
Absolutely gutted. Will sleep tonight and re-assess situation tomorrow morning. Maybe pulling out is the best option. Or even heading to the Kaikoura ranges which is the only spot in the south island in the next three days with any sunshine. That’s the weather for you!
Good night.
Axe
Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson 
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