Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Canterbury > Arthurs Pass > Waimakariri Col to Rolleston River
Waimakariri Col to Rolleston River
- Location
- This trip starts at State Highway 73 on the true right of the Waimakariri, just south of the Waimakariri road bridge (about 10 km east of the Arthur's Pass Village).
- Description
The unmarked route over Waimakariri Col to Rolleston River is a rugged two- to three-day alpine tramp. The upper Waimakariri valley and the Rolleston valley are rugged and involve steep, bouldery descents and steep sidling through scrub, scree and across avalanche chutes.
As there is snow year-round on Waimakariri Col, an ice axe, crampons and alpine skills are essential.
This unmarked route passes through several known avalanche paths and Waimakariri Falls Hut lies within three potential avalanche paths. During heavy snow conditions, we advise visitors to not travel this route unless sufficiently equipped and experienced to assess the conditions and choose a safe path through avalanche terrain. Do not use Waimakariri Falls hut during times of heavy snow loading.
You can reach Waimakariri Falls Hut in an easy day trip from Carrington Hut. The area around Waimakariri Falls Hut has spectacular waterfalls, rock faces and superb views. In summer, alpine flowers bloom in the basins. Because of avalanche danger, it is not a suitable trip for winter or early spring.
Visit www.doc.govt.nz for full details on this tramp.
- Level
- Hard
- Amenities
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- Birds
- Historical
- Huts
- Lookouts
- Plant Life
- Toilets
- Tramping
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk