3 Passes Authur's Pass 8\ 9 days

1. This hike is weather dependent due to rising rivers in rain
2. Description
3. *Hi guys, the **3 passes [approx 52 klms]*is grade 4/ on the hiking scale, navigation skills will be required, as some of the route is not poled ,challenging but rewarding

**We will cross some of the most beautiful rivers in nz,
home of the greenstone (pounamu)
We will traverse a disappearing ice field, cross rivers daily, sidlings along gorges , tussock mountains .climb over mountain passes ,
**Arrive \25th jan
Christchurch airport, catch 2pm shuttle to authors pass village
Day 1,\26th
A day tramp scotts track,loop back down part of avalanche peak, amazing views {6\ 8 hrs]
Day 2\27th
A short walk from the village to the eastern starting point of the hike.
The road bridge over the waimakariri river.approx 90 mins
Start of the hike to Carrington hut, approx 5 to 6 hrs
where we will spend 2 nights,
Day 3 \28th
Day trip from Carrington hut to barkers hut,return (optional) or waimakariri falls
Day4\29th
Early start, big day,
Carrington hut to morpeth hut 9,\ 10 hrs,
Carrington hut to harman pass,approx 3 hrs ,along a river bed,scramble up a steep gorge, pass waterfalls up to harman pass
**Harman pass to whitehorn pass,**approx 2 \ 3 hrs
From harman pass[a junction point to other huts] a poled route ascends to ariels tarns, sidle along tussock and rocky shelves reaching white horn pass ice field which has been disappearing over past summers
micro spikes will be required (possibly ice axe crampons)tbc.
Whithorn Pass to Park Morpeth Hut 4 \5 hrs
A worn path down threw scree on the true left of the pass down toward the valley floor takes us to another stream[cronin]and crossing a worn trail exits and some poles markers and cairns
park morpeth hut[6 bunks] separate hut fees to this hut built by canterbury mountaineering club[www.cmc.net.nz]
Day 5\30th
Park morpeth hut to mudflats hut,approx 8 \9 hrs
From Park morpeth hut to Browning pass [2hrs] the steepest part of the 3 passes also another river crossing before starting up the worn track to the scree.
Browning pass to harman hut [3hrs]
a well formed track takes us around the lake to a poled route that descends into the arahura river,[ crossing to the true right],, there are 3 avalanche chutes,to cross , down to a river bed,and locate the turn off
to Harman hut,[6 bunks] lunch stop
Harman hut to mudflats hut[arahura river track] 3 /4 hrs
From harman hut drop through the bush to a swing bridge follow a bench track high above the arahura river [continue past the turn off to styx saddle]the track leads us to a creek which we follow down until rejoining the track on the true left bank from here the track gradually drops through the bush to the river bed a short distance from the swing bridge which takes us to Mudflats hut,[6 bunks] stay 1 night
Day 6\31st
Mudflats Hut to lower arahura hut approx 4\5 hrs
Cross the swing bridge to the true left of the arahura river continue following the track takes us to a contour high above the arahura river,[maybe some slips and detours to negotiate] gradually descends ,into an unnamed creek and emerging on to a track short distance from the hut,
[option to have an early day here]
lower Arahura hut to Milltown rd bridge, approx 3\4 hrs.
Taxi into hokitika..accommodation.cost approx $100Kiwi holiday park, hokitika,[cabins,$85] sleeps 2
Day 7 \ 1st feb
Spend the day exploring hokitika\ enjoy the beach
Day 8 \2nd feb
Catch taxi to kumara junction for 8,15 shuttle back to christchurch
Or alternatively cath great sights shuttle to grey mouth and connect with the tranzalpine train back to christchurch, arrives 7 pm approx taxi\uba to airport approx 8pm,
Fly back to akld
we have 1 extra day in case of weather event holds us up,
Meeting Place 25th jan 2025
Christchurch airport[domestic]1.30pm for 2pm shuttle to authors pass village.
ACCOMMODATION
[25TH JAN]
Mountain house backpackers authors pass village, $80 2 nights
Carrington hut serviced hut 36 bunks[2 green ticket] cost $50 2 nights
Park Morpeth Hut6 bunks [www.cmc.net.nz.]$10 non members or camp
Mudflats hut 6 bunks [1 standard blue hut ticket] $10
Lower Arahura hut 6 bunks[1 standard blue ticket]$10
Kiwi holiday park $85 a night for 2 people [cabin share]
total,approx $200
Transport
Shuttles, $170 return Christchurch airport,
Taxi $180approx from end of the hike,to accommodation and to kumara junction for shuttle pick up,
Total $350
Equipment
PLB [PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON]
navigation equipment, maps[ nztopo50\ Otira BV20. Kaniere BV19]
Register trip [www.adventuresmart.org.nz]
Head torch ,spare batteries , power bank
hiking boots \ gators optional\ sandals,[river crossing every day]
micro spikes\poles
warm clothes \ Rain coat
sun protection\ toiletries [paper]\ towel
backpack,and cover \ sleeping bag\ matt
food for several days\snacks.
Tent\ bivy.