Shotover Saddle Route
Route
Time:
3 hr
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
Between the prominent waterfall near Wilson Camp Stream and Red Rock Stream – just before Cascade Hut – find a leading ridge heading up towards the Shotover Saddle. There is no marked route to the saddle. There may be thick bracken on the lower slopes, but the going becomes easier on the higher tussock slopes.
Just below the saddle is a shelf with a large tarn. From here it’s an easy walk to the saddle and magnificent views of the West Matukituki and Rob Roy valleys.
Plan and prepare
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