Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2354, 03-318 9258;
www.trampers.co.nz
)
, based at Mountain House YHA, provides tramper
transport around the national park.
The Tramp
Day 1: Greyneys Shelter to Goat Pass Hut
4-5 HOURS, 9.5KM, 390M ASCENT
From Greyneys Shelter it's a 10-minute walk north along the road to the confluence of the
Bealey River
and
Mingha River
, which is easily spotted from SH73 as a huge gravel plain.
Ford the Bealey at the safest-looking point, an instruction that applies throughout this tramp
as the rivers are constantly changing course around here.
Once across, round the bend into the Mingha Valley and follow the riverbed, crossing the
river as necessary. About 1½ hours from the shelter the bush comes down to meet the river.
Rock cairns mark both sides of the river here, indicating a ford back to the true right (west)
side. Follow the Mingha along this side and across a huge rocky fan.
Continue following the river flat after the rock fan, to quickly arrive at a track signposted
with an orange marker on the edge of the beech forest. At first the track runs level with the
river but then it makes a steep ascent to the top of
Dudley Knob
. It's a good climb, and once
on top you'll be able to see both sides of the river valley. The track descends the knob a
short way and then begins a gentle climb towards Goat Pass. This stretch used to be very
boggy but has been extensively planked. A little more than 2km from the knob the track
passes Mingha Bivouac (two bunks).
For the next 1.5km you follow the track, fording the river at a sharp bend, where there is a
large orange triangle marker on the true left (east) bank. This marks the final climb. The
track passes the impressive bowl of
Mt Temple
(1913m), then follows the gorge to
Goat
Pass
(1070m), although you rarely see it. This tussock slope is quite wet and boggy in
places, with long sections of boardwalk. The climb is easy though, and from the pass you
can look down on its northern side and spot the hut below.
Goat Pass Hut (20 bunks) is a great place to spend a night or two. It's a roomy hut, with a
radio link to the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre that can be used to receive the latest weather
report. There is no fireplace in the hut because of the lack of firewood, and it can get chilly
on cold nights - you'll need that fleece!
