Conditions on exposed ridge tops and summits may be harsher during cold or stormy weather.

The expedition nearly became a tragedy after a severe storm hit, trapping three team members on an exposed ridge.

Hardy plants like horopito and kamahi grow on exposed ridges, and near the summit there are mountain flax, coprosmas and ferns.

They grow on exposed ridges and cliffs above valleys and near waterfalls.

Surveyors noted that timber damage was equally severe at all elevations in this area, with numerous trees snapped both along exposed ridges and in deep gorges.