NZ tramp

[Lizzy]

Hi, I am going for a 5 day tramp in NZ (Queenstown/Wanaka area) next week (YAY). Still deciding which one to do- a bit weather dependent but any suggestions appreciated. Was thinking cascade Saddle and out via the dart or perhaps Rees-Dart with a day trip to Cascade saddle. Has anyone been across the Cascade saddle late November? Even toying with Gillespie Pass but transport seems a bit more difficult on our tight schedule...
Thanks

[1iron]

Hi

As an alternative you could go up to Mt Aspiring hut, day walk from here, then go over the Pylon to Cascade Saddle to Dart Hut then out either the Dart or Rees valleys.

Just be aware that the climb from Aspiring Hut to the Pylon is nearly 1400 metres, but the scenery is magnificent.

[Lizzy]

thanks- there was sstill too much snow about so I ended up doing the Caples & Routeburn which was spectacular... maybe another time....

[ninjapuppet]

Hi lizzy,

I just found out about the cascade saddle track after reading your post and it seems really interesting!
which month, did you have to abandon the trip due to too much snow???
If you had crampons, do you think it would have been possible to still go?

and i'm looking at organising the travel there and back, did you managed to find out any bus companies that can take you there and back?

cheers.

[Maelgwn]

I am no expert but I believe there is a small section of snow all year round on Cascade saddle. It is a pretty hard core section but the DOC office in Wanaka or Queenstown should be able to answer your questions. If you can deal with long days out and waiting for weather ... then you should be ok. Don't do it solo though because its not walked much.

Rees-Dart track is highly recommended. It gets you up into a high (ish) pass which gives you a different experience from some of the lower tracks. November is a good time to go before it gets too busy.

Attached are some photos from late November

[1iron]

I did Cascade Saddle a few years ago in November from Dart Hut. Snow going up to Cascade Saddle was knee deep and where the track goes from the Saddle to the Pylon the snow poles just disappeared into the snow, don't think crampons would help there.

If you can get over the Rees Saddle on the Rees - Dart track then you should be able to get out to Cascade saddle.

Conditions depend on how much snow fell in the Winter months.

[sef]

An ice axe might be handy, that's about it. It's not terribly likely to be hard packed ice and there will have been regular traffic kicking steps (multiple parties per day).

Ask after conditions at Wanaka -- DOC's warnings are fairly typical (alpine route, avy danger, you'll die! -- in late summer) but individual staff there might be able to give you some advice, or the outdoors store that does the bookings for the Raspberry Flat shuttle.

The Matukituki is also much, much nicer than the Rees.

[jocielou]

I did the Rees Dart track in January about two years ago - it can get pretty busy on the track and in the huts at that time of year (although there was still plenty of room and you could walk solo most of the day) My advice: get in now before this track becomes one of the Great Walks and numbers go up

If you do go from the Wanaka side from Aspiring Hut up over cascade saddle - take the Dart valley out: much more interesting and varied scenery and the transport company that we used only visits the Rees trail head at 9.30am and its 18km from the closest hut with the surrounding area being rocky and boggy for camping.

Dart River flora

[ninjapuppet]

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks lizzy for your transport suggestions!
Ive got flights and bus all booked for november.
something really interesting which i just realised, is that the total cost for me to do this walk, is seemingly cheaper than for me to do the overland in Tassie. (comming from sydney). I know its better to try to keep the Aussie dollar in Australia, but when costs are so comparible in terms of flights and transport, NZ seems mightily attractive.... . sorry, maybe i shouldnt have said that on a bushwalk "tasmania" forum. but tassie is still the best place in Australia.


Its been years since ive been to NZ but from memory, they took all my beef jerky at the airport. I remember NZ having an equally strict quarantine regulation on par with australian standards. I just dont want to stock up and dehydrate all my food only for it to be confiscated at the airport.

did you guys have any problems getting food through the airport?

[Lizzy]

Yep they are strict and will definitely take meat/ honey and check your tent with a fine tooth comb- so make sure it is clean. If you like dehydrated meals some are cheaper over there with a NZ brand (backpacker pantry ???). If you are in Queenstown there is a bigger supermarket a few minutes walk out of town which had 2 people meals for $8 something last year...
have great time very jealous!!
lizzy

[ninjapuppet]

Just saw this http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/enter/personal/travellers-brochure.pdf

which prohibits poultry and eggs related products, but it says meat can be brought in but just declared.
i might think i'll call them to confirm tomorrow and if all ok, i'll take a gamble and bring it along anyway.

nothing against backpacker's pantry, they're very handy indeed. its just that i think i can make a meaner curry than the backpacker's pantry can.
Good advice on the tent tho! mine probally has bits of grass stuck to the outside.

[north-north-west]

I think they're more worried about wildlife. And possibly soil pathogens.
I had a tent temporarily confiscated at the start of a visit once, because they found an ant in it. Fumigated (FOR FREE!) and returned a day later.

[Lizzy]

yeah- get those tent pegs clean... and boots...and ipood

[Lindsay]

Yep, you will have all your gear thoroughly inspected at either end. It's probably cheaper and easier to buy all your food there. No need to worry about going to specialist outdoor shops either. All the supermarkets sell food for trampers at a cheaper price. NZ in general is noticably better set up to deal with walkers requirements than anywhere else I have seen.

[Ent]

I think they're more worried about wildlife. And possibly soil pathogens.
I had a tent temporarily confiscated at the start of a visit once, because they found an ant in it. Fumigated (FOR FREE!) and returned a day later.

At last, a sensible approach, stop the problem, rather than punish the unaware.

Cheers Brett