Kea Basin Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 5 hr one way
Description
Kea Basin
First travel up the Rees Track until you reach the Kea Basin Track.
It takes half a day to climb to this beautiful sub-alpine tussock basin beneath Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi. The zigzag track starts on the low terrace north of Lennox Falls, where the bush edge meets the terrace.
Half way up, Earnslaw Hut (basic) has four bunks and there's a rock bivvy just above bush-line. Views up the Rees Valley towards Rees Saddle are stunning. Kea Basin adjoins the Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi Topuni, which recognises the historic and cultural importance of this mountain to Kāi Tahu.
Getting there
Travel to the end of the Rees Valley Road, and park at the Muddy Creek carpark, 30 minutes from Glenorchy on a gravel road with fords.
Plan and prepare
Please note: Be careful crossing the Rees River and its tributaries, as they become dangerously swift when high. River crossing experience essential.
Guides and commercial tourism providers