Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Howden Hut to the Divide
1-1½
Greenstone & Caples Tracks
(huts adult/child $15/5)
Following meandering rivers through peaceful valleys, these tracks
form a loop that many trampers stretch out into a moderate four- or five-day tramp. Basic
huts en route are Mid Caples, Upper Caples, McKellar and Greenstone; Backcountry Hut
Passes must be purchased in advance.
Both tracks meet up with the Routeburn Track; you can either follow its tail end to the
Divide or (if you've prebooked) pursue it back towards Glenorchy. From McKellar Hut
you can tramp two or three hours to Howden Hut on the Routeburn Track, which is an
hour from the Divide.
Access to the Greenstone and Caples Tracks is from Greenstone Wharf; nearby you'll
find unattended parking.
TRAMPING
ROUTE
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME (HR)
Greenstone Wharf to Mid Caples Hut
2-3
Mid Caples Hut to Upper Caples Hut
2-3
Upper Caples Hut to McKellar Hut
5-8
McKellar Hut to Greenstone Hut
5-7
Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Wharf
3-5
Rees-Dart Track
(huts/campsites $15/5)
This is a difficult, demanding four- to five-day circular route from the
head of Lake Wakatipu, taking you through valleys and over an alpine pass, with the pos-
sibility of a side trip to the Dart Glacier if you're suitably equipped and experienced. Ac-
cess by vehicle is possible as far as Muddy Creek on the Rees side, from where it's six
hours to Shelter Rock Hut.
Most people go up the Rees track first and come back down the Dart. Backcountry Hut
Passes must be purchased in advance for the three basic DOC huts (Shelter Rock, Daleys
Flat and Dart).
TRAMPING
ROUTE
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME (HR)
Muddy Creek to Shelter Rock Hut
6-8
Shelter Rock Hut to Dart Hut
4-6
Dart Hut to Daleys Flat Hut
5-7