Hike along two magnificent river valleys enclosed by towering mountains. A glacier side trip adds to the adventure.
This magnificent, but challenging, alpine circuit lets you explore two river valleys at the head of Lake Wakatipu. It's described as a "four to five" day experience, because you can add a detour to the Dart Glacier.
On most days, you're looking at six to eight hours of walking. At all times, you're surrounded by spectacular mountain, forest and river scenery. One hiker described it as "the best scenery I've ever seen in New Zealand".
Within the beech forest you can hope to see mohua (yellowheads), kaka, kakariki ( yellow-crowned parakeet), robins, fantails and brown creepers. In more alpine areas, cheeky kea (mountain parrots) can be very entertaining. Paradise ducks live on the grassy river flats - the white-headed male is very distinctive.
The Dart Glacier and Cascade Saddle are a rewarding day trip from Dart Hut. The Dart Glacier is relatively small, but beautifully formed. At the peak of the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, it was part of an enormous glacier system.
The three Department of Conservation huts that provide accommodation on this hike have solid fuel fires for heating, mattresses and running water. You'll need to bring your own cooker.
Trampers who wish to stay in the hut or campsite need to buy hut tickets before they start, from DoC Visitor Centre.
By Jeannie Bourke