3228 - South Island Trip - Greenstone and Cables

3228 - South Island Trip - Greenstone and Cables 1st -7th March 

This plan was given to me by a person who has done the route at least three times and it seems a good option.

So we will do it the tramp anticlockwise as this means no steep hills.

Start on Sunday

1. Lower Capels about 4/ 5 hours. Easy track on flat.

2. Deer stalkers 3/ 4 hours (Ex Doc hut) Easy track on flat.

3. Mc Kellar 4/5 hours. This goes to saddle. Gentle climb but steep drop to Greenstone track.

4. 5. Deer stalkers 3/4 hours. Easy track on flat

Greenstone Hut 4/5 hours. Easy track on flat

6. Road end. 4/5 hours.

You could decide to stay at Mc Kellar an extra night. This would allow a side trip to the Routeburn track and where Howden Hut originally was.

That takes about 2 hours with another hour to the lookout. A nice round trip 5 /6 hour walk with no pack. Alternatively for the fitter members a side trip to Mc Kenzie hut. A round trip of about 8/ 10 hours with no pack.

Deerstalkers were charging approximately $40 per night . Key will have to

be collected at Small Planet Queenstown. The deer stalkers have a website ( link below) and there is already some bunks have been booked. Both huts were good when we last stayed about 5/6 yrs ago with gas cookers and equipped kitchens.

I have already have three people confirmed so if you are thinking about act fast as numbers will be limited. This route may be fine tuned .