Kelly Range Tarns

Pros & cons

PROS

Photogenic alpine tarns with sweeping views over Taramakau and Taipo
Flexible tops roaming beyond Carroll Hut, including pt 1363 m

CONS

Steep, technical climb to the tops via Carroll Hut Track
Unmarked, exposed route above the hut with serious weather risk
Initial creek crossing can be impassable after heavy rain

Overview

A classic West Coast tops wander: climb to Carroll Hut, pop above the bushline, then meander along the Kelly Range to a string of alpine tarns. It’s tougher than it looks—steep and rooty in the forest, then open and unmarked on the tops—but the payoff is big skies and a panorama across the Taramakau and Taipo valleys.

Route at a Glance

Trailhead: Kellys Creek car park off SH73. There’s a small stream crossing right after the start, which can be uncrossable after heavy rain.
To Carroll Hut: A sustained, hands‑on climb through rātā/kāmahi, scrub and tussock. Expect one short muddy “wall” where you’ll use your hands. DOC allows roughly 3 hours to the hut; fit parties may be quicker.
To the tarns and pt 1363 m: Above the hut there’s no marked track—choose your own line along the Kelly Range to multiple tarns, then continue to pt 1363 m for the best vistas. Plan to return the same way.

What You’ll See

The forest gives way to rolling tussock tops punctuated by shallow tarns that often freeze in winter. On clear days you’ll scan to Tara Tama, Mt Alexander and across to the Tasman Sea. In summer, a quick dip in a warm spell is possible at the tarns.

Safety and Conditions

DOC grades the track to Carroll Hut as advanced, and the tops travel is unmarked and exposed. In winter the route can be icy and one or more avalanche paths cross the track; when snow is about, bring the skills and kit to match. Weather swings fast—set turn‑around times and carry a map/compass or GPS. Car parks along SH73 have had thefts reported; keep valuables with you and nothing visible in vehicles.

Hut and Trailhead Notes

Carroll Hut has 10 bunks with mattresses, a basic toilet, and water from a nearby stream. At the trailhead you’ll find a large gravel car park and a basic toilet. Historic access from the Carroll tops toward the Taipo has been washed out in lower Seven Mile Stream—retrace your route unless you’re set up for serious river travel and flows are safe.

Wildlife and Natural Context

You’re in classic Arthur’s Pass glacial country—U‑shaped valleys below, shallow depressions on the tops holding the tarns. Kea are regular on alpine tops; enjoy them but don’t feed them.

Best Time to Visit

Late summer through autumn brings the most settled weather and unfrozen tarns. Winter can be spectacular but demands full alpine judgment and equipment. Aim for a clear‑weather day; the tops are superb in good visibility and committing in clag.

Where it is

-42.7905, 171.5521

Kelly Range Tarns

4 places & 4 trails nearby Get the offline map

Tips for Kelly Range Tarns

01From the car park, start on the left side of the signboard—right goes to the Cockayne Nature Walk.
02Check recent rain; the initial creek can be uncrossable at high flows.
03Navigation above Carroll Hut is unmarked—carry map/compass or GPS and know how to use them.
04In winter, be avalanche‑aware and carry appropriate snow and ice gear when conditions warrant.
05Plan to return the same way; access toward the Taipo is washed out in lower Seven Mile Stream.