Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park routes
Track category
Route
Description
These are unmarked routes - suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped trampers. These unmarked routes are subject to low cloud and poor visibility. Topographic maps, route finding and navigation skills are essential. When snow covers the ground, routes will be less obvious and there is also risk of avalanches.
Foggy Peak and Castle Hill Peak
From the lay-by at the top of Porters Pass, follow an unmarked but well-worn trail up through low scrub and tussock and across gravel screes towards Foggy Peak. Large cairns mark the way in places.
Time: 1 - 2 hr
Beyond Foggy Peak, follow the broad ridge. The ridge narrows for the final climb to the trig on the summit of Castle Hill Peak.
Time: 2 - 4 hr
The Gap
From Castle Hill Peak, experienced parties can traverse across to The Gap. Beyond peak 1941, sidle just off the north side of the ridge until you reach the bluffs above The Gap. Descend down scree to the north for about 50 m, to a shoulder that leads directly back into The Gap.
From The Gap, a scree slope and rocky ridge provide a good route down to the Kowai River. Some rock scrambling is required. Note: If planning to use this route, prior permission must be gained from Brooksdale Station.
Mt Torlesse via Kowai River
Access to the base of Mt Torlesse is across freehold and leasehold land and permission must be gained from Brooksdale Station. Respect this as it is a working station; leave gates as you find them and avoid disturbing stock. Dogs and vehicles are prohibited.
From State Highway 73 follow an old vehicle track up the true right of the Kowai River to opposite Kowai Hut. Note: this is a private hut and not open to the public.
Time: 1 - 2 hr
The spur on the true right of the side stream, by the hut, is the most direct route to Mt Torlesse.The spur starts off with a gradual climb, becomes a steep ridge, and leads directly to Mt Torlesse.
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Trig M to Rabbit Hill
An old farm track starts alongside State Highway 73, halfway between Porters Pass summit and Lake Lyndon. Climb up the track amongst diverse shrublands, traversing open ridges to trig point M above Lake Lyndon.
Time: 2 - 3 hr
Follow the ridgeline from Trig M to Rabbit Hill. This passes through a tussock basin just before the final ascent to the summit of Rabbit Hill. There are numerous springs in this area and it can be very wet underfoot.
Time: 3-4 hr
Getting there
The Torlesse Range is one of the most accessible in the country, located alongside State Highway 73, only 1¼ hours drive from Christchurch. The main access points into the park are the Kowai River (private), Porters Pass, Lake Lyndon Road, Craigieburn Road, and the Porter Heights Skifield Road. Access to some areas requires permission from neighbouring landholders.
Places to stay
Avoca Homestead
The recently restored Avoca Homestead,
(built in 1909) Korowai / Torlesse
Tussocklands Park
The old Avoca Homestead (built in 1909) has been restored to preserve its heritage value. It has 6 beds, a log burner, and water supplied, making it a standard hut - 1 ticket. Access is via Craigieburn Road, which becomes McFarland Road at the last railway crossing by the Avoca Railway Station. The road crosses the railway line or runs alongside it at several places. Extreme care is needed as many coal trains use this line. Just before reaching Broken River, the road becomes a rough 4WD track. Avoca Homestead is finally reached by crossing Broken River. The river can normally be crossed in a 4WD vehicle or by wading through it. There is a derelict stockbridge nearby which should not be used.
History
Avoca Station was one of the most inaccessible stations in the Waimakariri Basin. The original run lay north of Broken River and was enlarged in 1904 by adding a block on the south bank taken from the Mt Torlesse run. In 1917, Avoca was incorporated into Flock Hill. The old Avoca was taken up by Charles Harper, son of the Bishop of Christchurch. He shore sheep on the property and brother George packed the wool out on bullocks, three sacks each, then sledged it over Porters Pass.
Plan and prepare
All these trips are routes only - unmarked and suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped people.
Winter snow and ice could make these routes difficult and dangerous.
Maps that cover the area are Topographic Map 260 - K34, K35, L34, L35.
Times are approximate and one way.
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