Greenstone Track

This is a point-to-point route from Greenstone Road End (Greenstone Shelter) to the Greenstone–Caples/Routeburn junction north of Lake McKellar. The verified mapped corridor is about 30.8 km/19.1 miles one way; allow roughly 2–3 days for a pack-carrying trip. The core line passes Greenstone Hut and McKellar Hut and finishes at the junction toward the Greenstone Saddle and Lake Howden. The optional continuation to Lake Howden and The Divide, and the Caples Track over McKellar Saddle, are linked routes rather than part of this stored line.

The lower valley alternates between river flats, grassy clearings, and mossy beech forest. Farther up, the route becomes more open around Lake McKellar and the Greenstone Saddle area. Expect a well-marked tramping track, swing bridges, occasional slips, wet ground, and side streams that can be troublesome after heavy rain. The line reaches roughly 698 m near Greenstone Saddle but does not cross the 945 m McKellar Saddle on the Caples variant.

Greenstone Hut and McKellar Hut are serviced DOC huts with mattresses, toilets, heating, and untreated tap water—boil or otherwise treat water before drinking. Book hut or campsite stays ahead of time and carry your own stove and food; these are not Great Walk huts with cooking equipment provided. Arrange a shuttle or other transport for this point-to-point route if you are not returning by the linked network.

Choose this tramp for a quieter multi-day valley journey with huts, forests, tussock, and big surrounding mountains. Link it with the Caples Track for the approximately 61 km circuit, or use the route toward Lake Howden and The Divide only if you have arranged the appropriate transport and itinerary.