Pros & cons
PROS
- Cairned northern bypass around Warnocks Bluffs reduces exposure and rockfall risk.
- Huge vantage of the Rolleston Glacier and Mt Rolleston from the upper slopes.
CONS
- Unmarked above the bridge; in fog it’s easy to drift onto unstable scree.
- Crux bluff band with significant exposure and rockfall history demands confident scrambling.
Small Otira Valley carpark on SH73 about 1 km west of Arthur’s Pass summit; start on the Otira Valley Track to the footbridge.
Serious alpine route. Warnocks Bluffs are the crux with exposure and rockfall; choose the easier northern bypass. Above the bridge is unmarked with loose rock and poor‑visibility navigation traps. Not recommended in winter or when iced; avalanche danger May–November. The river footbridge can be washed out after floods—confirm locally.
Overview
A demanding alpine route to Mt Philistine (1967 m) with outsized views of the Rolleston Glacier and nearby Mt Rolleston. Expect rugged, off‑track travel above the Otira Valley footbridge, including a short bluff band and plenty of loose rock. This is not a casual walk—come for adventure and exposure. Distance is roughly 5.5 miles total out and back, with about 3,600 feet of vertical gain, typically taking 6–8 hours in dry, snow‑free conditions.
Route Breakdown
- Otira Valley Carpark to Footbridge: Follow the formed Otira Valley Track to the bridge over the Otira River (about 45 minutes in typical conditions).
- Bridge to Moraine Wall: Pick up the climbers’ path trending across the moraine/scree toward the right (south side of the moraine wall). In fog it’s easy to wander onto unstable scree; look for a faint but well‑trodden footpad and occasional cairns.
- Warnocks Bluffs (crux): A very steep 80–120 m bluff band with exposure and rockfall risk. The direct line up through the bluffs is steep and serious. An easier, cairned bypass skirts around the base about 200 m to the north before climbing, reducing exposure and rockfall hazard.
- Above the Bluffs to Summit: Off‑track travel over boulders and scree, generally keeping north of the east ridge. The final 100 vertical metres are steep and very loose—manage rockfall carefully if you’re in a group.
- Descent: Most parties reverse the ascent via the northern bypass. The upper north ridge has been reported as steeper and looser; it’s usually not worth it.
What You’ll See
Big glacial scenery right from the valley: moraine benches, bluff systems, and a grandstand on the Rolleston Glacier from the upper saddle. In summer, the lower valley often shows off alpine tussock and daisies. Keep an eye out for cheeky alpine parrots (kea) around the carpark and lower valley.
Best Time to Hike
Late summer to early autumn in settled, clear, snow‑free weather. Avoid winter or poor visibility—ice, verglas, and fog turn the bluffs and upper slopes into no‑fall terrain. Avalanche hazard is a real factor from roughly May to November; check conditions locally before committing.
Skills, Gear, and Tips
This is an unmarked alpine route after the bridge. Confident scrambling, route‑finding, and hazard assessment are essential. A helmet is strongly recommended due to rockfall. Carry warm and windproof layers, plenty of water, a map/GPS, headlamp, and a PLB. Start early for time in hand and better visibility. Ask locally about the current preferred line around Warnocks Bluffs—the cairned northern bypass is the conservative choice.
Logistics
Park at the small Otira Valley carpark on SH73, about 1 km west of Arthur’s Pass summit. The footbridge occasionally gets damaged in floods—confirm status with the visitor centre. If you only want the valley stroll, the marked track to the bridge makes a great short outing; there’s also a quick side trip to Lake Misery tarn near the start.
Alternatives
If you want a big day with less technical scrambling, consider other Arthur’s Pass summit routes like Avalanche Peak for a marked track experience and comparable views.
Where it starts
-42.8986, 171.5589Wildlife on this trail
Near Mt Philistine via Otira Valley
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayOtira Valley TrackShort alpine valley to a tiny bridge with big Southern Alps viewsModerate · 2.3 mi · 1.5 hr
0 mi awayOtira Valley Car Park Picnic AreaBare-bones trailhead with big alpine views and DIY picnic spotsTrailhead · Parking
0 mi awayOtira Valley TrackShort alpine valley walk to a photogenic bridge and big peaksParking · Trailhead
0 mi awayOtira Valley FootbridgeAlpine river footbridge with big views up Ōtira ValleyScenic Viewpoint
0.4 mi awayArthur's Pass SummitSummit lookout and Dobson Memorial via an easy alpine strollTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayTemple Basin TrackShort, steep climb to big alpine views and a quirky ski basin shelterModerate · 3.1 mi · 2.8 hr
1.4 mi awayMt Cassidy–Blimit TraverseSteep alpine ridge day linking Mt Cassidy and Blimit via Temple Basin.Challenging · 9.3 mi · 10 hr
1.4 mi awayBealey Valley TrackQuick forest stroll to Bealey Chasm and Mt Rolleston viewsEasy · 1.5 mi · 48 min
