Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From West Sabine Hut, cross the swing bridge to return to the true left (west) side of the
West Branch Sabine River and continue south along the track. From the river fork the track
climbs over often-slippery beech tree roots, and after two hours the valley opens up at a
large slip to a stunning view. In front of you is a theatre of mountains, with Moss Pass an
obvious dip to the right. Turn around and you can look back down the valley or at Mt Cu-
pola (2260m).
The track dips back into the bush and the climb becomes steeper as you traverse forest
and scree slopes, many of them formed by avalanches. At one point you top off at a board-
walk and manicured track though a beautiful garden-like setting, with the river just to the
left. Take a break and enjoy the beauty because you still have one more steep, forested hill-
side to climb in the last 1km before Blue Lake finally comes into view.
Just before Blue Lake Hut is a spot where avalanches are funnelled down chutes and
across the track from winter well into spring. Conditions are worst between May and
November, but the avalanche paths can be active during unseasonable January snowfalls.
Do not stop between the warning signs during periods prone to avalanches.
The lake, known to Maori as Rotomairewhenua, is thought to be the clearest natural
freshwater lake in the world, with visibility of around 80m. Take care to avoid any contam-
ination of the lake. If you take the track that climbs 1km south through one last stand of
stunted beech you'll be rewarded with excellent views of both Lake Constance and Blue
Lake. This is one of the most scenic spots in the park.
Day 4: West Sabine Hut to Sabine Hut
5 HOURS, 15KM
Five minutes upriver from the hut is the swing bridge over the West Branch Sabine River.
Cross to the true left (west) side, following the level route north. This is a very pleasant
stretch as the track remains close to the water, and it's an easy start for those with achy legs
from the climb over Travers Saddle. The track remains in the wooded fringe of the river for
7km before breaking out onto a grassy flat.
The track crosses the flat for 2km and climbs steeply at its northern end, only to descend
onto another flat. At the northern end of this flat is a climb to a small knob that overlooks a
deep gorge; this is the steepest ascent of a relatively easy day.
Once the track descends the other side, it follows the river to the junction with the track to
D'Urville Hut (10 bunks). Cross the bridge over the impressive deep gorge. It's an easy
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