Kea Basin Track
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 5 hr one way
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.
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.
Places to stay
This is a basic four-bunk hut in the Wakatipu area.
Plan and prepare
NOTE: Be careful crossing the Rees River and its tributaries, as they become dangerously swift when high. River crossing experience essential.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required