Arthur's Pass alerts

Flood damage and an active slip make the western Harper Pass Route hazardous; expect difficult river crossings and avoid the slip during rain.

• Below Kiwi Hut, the Taramakau has changed course and washed away most of the track, so expect numerous random river crossings; rivers can rise quickly in rain, and do not cross when levels are high.
• About 45 minutes above Locke Stream Hut, an active slip feeds into the Taramakau from the true left. Depending on river levels, you may need to cross to the true right below the slip and back again; do not attempt this crossing in heavy rain.
• During rainfall, especially heavy rain, do not walk beneath the slip because of potential active rockfall.

Check DOC’s Harper Pass Route information before setting out.

Significant flood damage has washed away much of the route to Sudden Valley Bivvy; access is possible only when rivers are low.

• The route is unmaintained and only sporadically marked, with multiple river crossings; take great care on the climb around Barrier and expect the trip to take longer than expected.
• Do not cross a flooded river or stream, cross without safe entry and exit points, or cross if unsure it is safe; turn back or wait for water levels to drop.

Check DOC’s current Sudden Valley Bivvy route information before setting out.