Friday 17 February 2023

This trip is now full - contact Dennis for further information

An ambitious trip in two parts through some of the most spectacular valley and alpine terrain you’ll ever get to see.

Part one heads up lesser-visited Albert Burn and over into the East Matukituki to Aspiring Flats / Rock of Ages Biv for a climb up Sisyphus Peak.

Then it’s out to Raspberry Flat for a food and gear drop before crossing Cascade Saddle and heading down the Rees, climbing the flanks of Mt Earnslaw and exiting down Earnslaw Burn.

A Fit trip in sometimes tough terrain with some long days, but with optional days and built-in flexibility if conditions turn against us.

Part One

Fri 17 Feb. Early flight to Queenstown, shuttle to Makarora, helicopter to Albert Burn Hut. Walk up valley to camp at .588 forks, 4-5 hrs.

Sat 18. Continue up valley to camp at upper flats below Albert Burn Saddle, 8 hrs.

Sun 19. Cross saddle to the East Matukituki, descend on track to Junction Flat, take Kitchener Track to Aspiring Flats and Rock of Ages Biv to camp, 7 hrs. Optional 45 min easy walk to bush edge for good view of 370m Turnbull Thomson Falls.

Mon 20. Day walk up Rainbow Stream to Wilmott Saddle and Sisyphus Peak and return, 10-11 hrs.

Tues 21. Return to Junction Flat, down valley to Cameron Flat, cross the Matukituki and walk to Raspberry Flat. Pick up food and gear drop, then walk in to Aspiring Hut to camp. 9 hrs.

Part Two

Weds 22. Climb to Cascade Saddle and down to camp in the upper Dart Valley, 9+ hrs.

Thurs 23. Descend to the Dart Hut swingbridge, climb to Rees Saddle, descend to Shelter Rock Hut (22 bunks), 9 hrs.

Friday 24. To Kea Basin, 6.5 hrs.

Sat 25. To Esquilant Biv, 6 bunks, ice axe and crampons required to cross the Birley Glacier, 9 hrs.

Sun 26. Return to Kea Basin, 7 hrs.

Mon 27. Climb to Lennox Pass, descend to the upper Earnslaw Burn to camp. 9-11 hrs.

Tues 28. Head out down the Earnslaw Burn, 5hrs and take a shuttle to Queenstown airport, fly home.

Leaders: Andrew Murdoch Ph 021 489 206 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Dennis Brown Ph 021 1955590 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Notes:

1. Group limited to 5
2. There will be a food drop in the Matukutuki Valley on day 5. You’ll need 4-5 days food for Part 1 and 7 for Part 2.
3. We’ll be camping most nights, at times in high and exposed sites. A (very) sturdy alpine tent is required.
4. Full storm gear and effective insulation layers are a must.
5. Ice axe and crampons are compulsory for the trip to Esquilant Biv. These can be included in the day 5 food drop.
6. Optional days may be used as rest or contingency days if required. Part 2 may be shortened if conditions are unfavourable – flexible airfares recommended.