Blue Lake Hut

Blue Lake Hut to Waiau Hut

Time: 9-12 hr

Assess the weather before starting the ascent over Waiau Pass. Only attempt the pass in good weather – if the weather is bad, we recommend waiting in Blue Lake Hut and trying the pass another day. Start early, as you should allow 9-12 hr to cross the pass and reach Waiau Hut.

Blue Lake Hut to top of Waiau Pass

From Blue Lake Hut follow the signs, orange triangle makers and orange poled route which lead you south. The route climbs the moraine which is damming Rotopohueroa/Lake Constance. Once on top of the moraine, follow the marker poles which lead high above the cliffs on the western side of the lake. Do not follow the lake edge – you will eventually get stopped by impassable bluffs and deep water and have to turn back. The route around the cliffs above Rotopohueroa/Lake Constance will lead you through some steep guts and spurs. It then drops back down to the lake edge (approximately 2.7km from the hut) and follows the shoreline to the lakehead. Waiau Pass Route leads high above the cliffs on the western side of the lake Image: DOC At the lake’s northern end, follow the route along the valley floor for approximately 1km, with several stream crossings. The route then turns to the left (south) and starts to climb scree and steep rocky sections to Waiau Pass. It is approximately 1.5 km from the valley floor to the saddle and you gain 530 m in altitude. Hard icy snow can remain until December in these last 150+ metres of elevation, which can be very difficult to negotiate if the conditions are unfavourable.

Top of Waiau Pass to Upper Waiau Forks

Be aware that this section from the top of the pass to the valley floor is very steep and technical, even on a good day. There are many places where it is possible to slip or get stuck, particularly when there is snow and ice. From the top of the pass, assess the conditions on the south side of the pass. Snow can be present at any time of the year – if there is snow, then do not proceed unless you have an ice axe, crampons and avalanche rescue equipment (and know how to use them). Return to Blue Lake Hut instead. Follow the orange markers down from the Waiau Pass summit, ensuring you stay on the marked route. The route leads to the right from the summit, rather than descending directly into the valley. The descent is steep and rocky, so take your time and watch your footing. Waiau Pass Route leads to the right from the summit Image: DOC When you reach the valley, the route leads down the west branch of the Waiau Uwha River. It descends through scrub, then crosses the east branch of the river not far above the forks.

Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake, 7 hr return

This is a worthwhile overnight side‑trip from the main circuit. Head upstream from the West Branch Sabine swing bridge. After 1 hr 30 min, the valley broadens and the track passes through forest destroyed by an avalanche in 1980. Climb steeply in two stages to a high basin containing Blue Lake Hut. Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake is thought to be the clearest natural freshwater lake in the world. Please respect this pristine water by refraining from washing or swimming in the lake.

West Sabine Hut to Blue Lake Hut

Time: 3 hr

7.7 km Head upstream from the West Branch Sabine swing bridge. After 1 hr 30 min, the valley broadens and the track passes through forest destroyed by an avalanche in 1980. Climb steeply in two stages to a high basin containing Blue Lake Hut. Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake is thought to be the clearest natural freshwater lake in the world. The lake is sacred to iwi and at significant risk from aquatic biosecurity threats. Please respect this pristine water by refraining from washing, swimming or touching the waters in the lake. Camping is not allowed close to the lake. This section of track crosses several avalanche zones where avalanches commonly run to valley floor in spring.

Blue Lake Hut to Waiau Hut

Time: 9-12 hr

Assess the weather before starting the ascent over Waiau Pass. Only attempt the pass in good weather – if the weather is bad or the pass is in cloud, we recommend waiting in Blue Lake Hut and trying the pass another day. Start early, as you should allow 9-12 hr to cross the pass and reach Waiau Hut. There is also a campsite (no toilet) available at Waiau Forks. Watch a Mountain Safety Council video guide to the route over Waiau Pass:

Blue Lake Hut to top of Waiau Pass

From Blue Lake Hut follow the signs, orange triangle makers and orange poled route which lead you south. The route climbs the moraine which is damming Rotopohueroa/Lake Constance. Once on top of the moraine, follow the marker poles which lead high above the cliffs on the western side of the lake. Do not follow the lake edge – you will eventually get stopped by impassable bluffs and deep water and have to turn back. The route around the cliffs above Rotopohueroa/Lake Constance will lead you through some steep guts and spurs. It then drops back down to the lake edge (approximately 2.7 km from the hut) and follows the shoreline to the lakehead. Waiau Pass Route leads high above the cliffs on the western side of the lake. Image: DOC At the lake’s northern end, follow the route along the valley floor for approximately 1km, with several stream crossings. The route then turns to the left (south) and starts to climb scree and steep rocky sections to Waiau Pass. It is approximately 1.5 km from the valley floor to the pass and you gain 530 m in altitude. Hard icy snow can remain until December in these last 150+ metres of elevation, which can be very difficult to negotiate if the conditions are unfavourable.

Top of Waiau Pass to Upper Waiau Forks

Be aware that this section from the top of the pass to the valley floor is very steep and technical, even on a good day. There are many places where it is possible to slip or get stuck, particularly when there is snow and ice. From the top of the pass, assess the conditions on the south side of the pass. Snow can be present at any time of the year – if there is snow, then do not proceed unless you have an ice axe, crampons and avalanche rescue equipment (and know how to use them). Return to Blue Lake Hut instead. Follow the orange markers down from the Waiau Pass summit, ensuring you stay on the marked route. The route leads to the right from the summit, rather than descending directly into the valley. The descent is steep and rocky, so take your time and watch your footing. Waiau Pass Route leads to the right from the summit. Image: DOC When you reach the valley, the route leads down the west branch of the Waiau Uwha River. It descends through scrub, then crosses the east branch of the river not far above the forks.