Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day 2: Lyell Saddle Hut to Ghost Lake Hut
3-5 HOURS, 12KM, 325M ASCENT
From Lyell Saddle Hut the track climbs steadily but gently towards the tops, with the occa-
sional viewpoint out over the Glasgow Range and yonder as you wind hither and zither
through the beech forest. The trees thin and become progressively stunted as you approach
the bushline.
Around two hours (6km) from the hut you emerge on to the open tops of the
Lyell Range
,
meandering along freshly benched track cut through the thick, golden tussock. Sweeping
views take in an endless sea of peaks, all the way through to Ghost Lake Hut, around two
hours (6km away). If you have plenty of time to dawdle, this is your cue to do so.
The trail remains more or less level as it continues up to
Mt Montgomery
(1332m), and
sidles around its north side before passing beneath
Rocky Tor
(1456m), the highest peak
along the route.
From here it is another hour of meandering along the ridge and side slopes before you
reach
Ghost Lake Hut
(20 bunks), 1200m above sea level. Views abound in every direction;
this is a fine spot to spend the night. Stay on the boardwalk when visiting the tarn, as it is a
fragile environment.
Day 3: Ghost Lake Hut to Stern Valley Hut
4-5 HOURS, 11KM, 800M DESCENT
It's virtually all downhill from here - 800m over 10km, to be precise. Fortunately, the gradi-
ent is gentle, which means it's not as hard on the knees as some descents can be.
From Ghost Lake Hut, the route wiggles and winds its way through gorgeous meadows
and scrub back down into mature bush. The track then undulates along the backbone of
Stern Ridge on its journey to Stern Creek, with fine views of the Matiri Range to the east
and the forested slopes of the Lyell Range to the west.
Around three hours from Ghost Lake Hut, you enter
Stern Valley
. There are two bridged
crossings before you arrive in the valley meadows, and Stern Valley Hut (12 bunks) along-
side the creek.
Day 4: Stern Valley Hut to Specimen Point Hut
7-10 HOURS, 25KM
