Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing and should only be attempted when the pass is free of snow, normally from December to
March. Even then, sudden cold fronts can sweep through and bring snow at any time; it is
also infamous for cloud, which has left trampers hopelessly lost.
MAPS & BROCHURES
The following Matukituki Valley tramps are covered by NZTopo50 map CA11
(Aspiring
Flats)
; for Cascade Saddle you will also need CA10
(Lake Williamson)
. DOC's
Matukituki
Valley Tracks
brochures details the East Matukituki tramps that are not described here.
HUTS
administered by DOC. The fee can be paid at the Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre
in Wanaka (
Click here
)
, or to the warden who is stationed at the hut from November through
INFORMATION SOURCES
DOC Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre (
Click here
)
, on the eastern edge of Wanaka,
provides all the usual information and services as well as museum-style displays on local
geology, flora and fauna.
8
Getting to/from the Tramp
The tramp begins at a car park at Raspberry Creek, 54km from Wanaka.
Alpine Shuttles
(
03-443 7966;
www.good-sports.co.nz
)
makes the run from Wanaka to Raspberry Creek at
9.15am and 2pm, from November to April, with pick up at various Wanaka hostels for $35
per person.
The Tramp
Day 1: Raspberry Creek Car Park to Aspiring Hut
2-2½ HOURS, 9KM
Cross the bridge over
Raspberry Creek
to a 4WD track on the other side; the track cuts
across the open valley of grassy flats on the true right (south) bank of the
Matukituki River
West Branch
. The scenery up the river includes Shotover Saddle and Mt Tyndall to the left
(south), Cascade Saddle straight ahead (west), and occasional sheep and cattle. Within 2km
