Above the bush line

Above the bush line

A tramper surveys the view north from his camp on Mt Allen, Stewart Island. In New Zealand the ‘bush line’ is the upper limit of trees. On the mainland this is around 1,100 metres, but it is lower on Stewart Island. Tussock dominates in the open alpine area above the bush. For trampers this offers easy walking, free of the constraints of a track through the forest. But open country is also very exposed, and trampers must carry alpine tents that withstand high winds and storms.