Aspiring Hut to Cascade Saddle
Route
Time:
4 - 5 hr
Distance:
6 km
Getting there
To get to Aspiring Hut follow the West Matukituki Track.
About the area
The East and West Matukituki Valleys offer enjoyable day walks across farmland and beech forest flats, as well as access to a number of demanding tramping and climbing routes in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Description
The track starts immediately behind Aspiring Hut and climbs steadily on a well graded track through mixed beech forest. Above the bush the route is marked with orange poles and follows a steep snowgrass and tussock ridge, with a few rocky outcrops and ledges to negotiate. The route is never more than 100 metres from the left of the spur until, near the summit, it swings well to the left over easy slopes before veering right again.
It reaches the pylon at the top of the ridge (1835 metres), via a steep and narrow gut. After the pylon, follow the poles down to Cascade Creek, cross it and follow the easy slopes and flats leading to Cascade Saddle (1524 metres). The track to the Dart and Rees Valleys veers off to the left, just before the saddle.
Places to stay
This is a serviced 38-bunk hut in the Wanaka area.
Plan and prepare
Cascade Saddle is an alpine crossing; not to be attempted in adverse weather. Steep snowgrass slopes can be treacherous and slippery when wet or covered with fresh snow that can fall in summer.
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required
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