Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cascade Saddle is one of the most beautiful alpine passes in NZ, and in good summer
weather it can be tramped without the aid of mountaineering gear. It is the crossing point
between the West Matukituki and the Dart Valley, via the
Cascade Saddle Route
, which
links with the Rees-Dart Track.
It makes for a spectacular return day tramp from Aspiring Hut. But be warned: it is a
steep and difficult climb partially smothered in super-slippery snow grass, and trampers
have fallen to their deaths here. It should not be attempted by inexperienced trampers nor in
adverse conditions. If you have any doubts, seek advice from the hut warden, who will also
have current weather forecasts on hand.
The track is signposted behind the hut and heads southwest into mixed beech forest.
Within an hour there are views of Mt Aspiring/Tititea to the north, and the rest of the valley
to the east.
The track makes a steady ascent, and after two to three hours from the hut breaks out
above the bushline. For most trampers this is a glorious moment. If the day is clear there
will be stunning views the minute you leave the last few stunted beech trees.
The next section is very difficult. The route is marked by snow poles and follows a steep
snow-grass and tussock ridge upwards. Sometimes you're on all fours working from one
pole to the next, because the route sidles a few ledges and rocky outcrops, and at times be-
comes very steep. You are never more than 100m from the left of the spur. From the bush-
line it's a good two hours before the track swings to the left and then, veering right again,
climbs an easy slope to the
Pylon
, the marker at 1835m. Take a break here - the views are
wonderful.
From the marker, the track skirts the ridge to the south and then descends steadily through
rock and scree to Cascade Creek (follow the standards). The route crosses the stream to its
true left (west) side and climbs some easy slopes towards
Cascade Saddle
to the north. The
route to the Rees-Dart veers left just before the saddle, but you can continue to the low point
(at 1524m), where you can look from its edge straight down a sheer 1000m rock face to a
small valley below - but be careful! It's an incredible feeling looking at so much scenery,
with Mt Aspiring/Tititea to one side and the Dart Glacier to the other.
So, with that under your belt, it's time to return to Aspiring Hut via the same route, which
would afford an entirely different perspective were it not for the fact that you'll be looking
at your feet the entire time. The tramp back down is interminable!
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