Waiau 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.

Upper Waiau Forks to Waiau Hut

Follow the route down the true left of the river, passing through a camping spot in a stand of beech and through a natural clearing. The route then crosses to the true right of the Waiau Uwha River and continues following it downstream. Take care as the track may be overgrown in places. It is essential you follow the orange markers to follow the best route. You will cross various side streams on the way down the valley, the largest of which is Caroline Creek. It is approximately 4 hours from Waiau Forks to Waiau Hut. Topographic maps and the Mountain Safety Council video about the Waiau Pass Route include information about Caroline Creek Bivvy. This bivvy has been removed, there is no shelter or hut at this site. The nearest shelter is one hour downstream from Caroline Creek at Waiau Hut.

Waiau Hut to Christopher Hut

Time: 6 hr 30 min

km From Waiau Hut, continue following the Waiau Uwha River downstream on the true right bank. The valley gradually widens and you cross two old, bush-covered terminal moraines. The route continues down the valley, mainly over broad, grassy river flats, until you reach the junction of Waiau Uwha River and Ada River. At the point where the two valleys meet, you will come to a track junction. Take the right-hand track across to Ada Valley, rather than continuing down the Waiau Valley. Follow this track across the river flats and upstream on the true left of the Ada River. Cross the Ada River at the point opposite Christopher Hut. The hut is situated close to the edge of the bush. Alternate Route from the junction on Waiau and Ada Rivers: Rather than taking the route to Lewis Pass, you can instead follow the St James Walkway south, walking through to Boyle Village. Follow the track downstream from the turnoff to the Ada Valley, crossing various side streams then the Ada River. Cross Ada Flat then Delta Stream, then the track will join the St James Walkway. Visit the St James Walkway page for a description from this point.