Pros & cons
PROS
- Reached in about 20–30 minutes from the Mount Shrimpton trailhead
- Pretty lookout over Pipson Creek toward Mt Shrimpton and the Makarora valley
CONS
- No facilities and only a small, informal car park
- On an advanced track; terrain steep and rough beyond the viewpoint
Overview
A small, natural perch on the Mount Shrimpton Track above Makarora, Pipson Creek Viewpoint is a quick reward before the trail’s serious climbing begins. It’s an informal stop—no railings or platforms—just a lovely glimpse up Pipson Creek toward Mt Shrimpton and across the Makarora valley.
Getting There
Start from the Mount Shrimpton Track car park on SH6 near Makarora. The viewpoint comes shortly after the track meets Pipson Creek—about 20–30 minutes from the trailhead—right before the main climb kicks in. There are no built structures at the viewpoint itself.
What You’ll See
Expect a classic beech-forest approach opening to a photo-friendly angle over Pipson Creek, with higher country and Mt Shrimpton looming above. Continue higher on the same track and the vistas expand to basins and ranges around the Makarora valley; this early lookout is the easy taster.
Track Difficulty & Safety
DOC classifies the Mount Shrimpton Track as an advanced route. It steepens considerably past this viewpoint, with rough, rooty and rocky sections, and becomes exposed and more technical above the bushline. If you’re only after a short scenic stop, turn around here. In spring and winter conditions, treat the upper route as avalanche terrain; start early to avoid afternoon warming, delay after storms, and avoid traveling beneath steep slopes. A solid overnight freeze greatly improves stability.
Facilities
DOC does not list toilets at the Mount Shrimpton car park. The nearest public facilities are in Makarora township, or at the Blue Pools car park to the north. Parking at the Mount Shrimpton trailhead is limited and informal.
Wildlife
On higher sections of this track, hikers often encounter kea—the inquisitive alpine parrot—along with small forest songbirds. Ground beetles and tussock country flora appear as you gain elevation.
Best Time to Visit
Go in settled weather. Aim for an early start; it helps with cooler conditions on the climb and, in spring, with firmer snow if you plan to go beyond the viewpoint. There are no formal hours.
Where it is
-44.2296, 169.2425Tips for Pipson Creek Viewpoint
- 01From the car park, expect 20–30 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
- 02No toilets at the trailhead—use facilities in Makarora or at Blue Pools.
- 03If continuing past the viewpoint, treat the route as advanced and exposed.
- 04In spring, start early and avoid traveling beneath steep slopes due to avalanche risk.
- 05Trekking poles and sturdy boots help on the steep, rooty bush sections.
Amenities
Near Pipson Creek Viewpoint
All places →All trails →
1.8 mi awayMount Shrimpton SummitSteep off-track summit with big Southern Alps views and keaScenic Viewpoint
3.1 mi awayWilkin Valley TrackBig-valley tramp to Top Forks with serious river crossingsChallenging · 18.6 mi · 12 hr
4.8 mi awayBlue River Swing Bridge (Blue Pools)Shaky vantage over glacier‑blue water in a beech forestParking · Restroom
4.8 mi awayYoung River TrackQuiet Blue Pools add-on to the Young River mouth—easy, scenic, useful.Easy · 4.3 mi · 2 hr
4.8 mi awayBlue PoolsShort forest walk to surreal, glassy-blue glacier-fed poolsTrailhead · Parking
5.2 mi awayCameron Flat CampsiteBasic riverside camp with big mountain views near Blue PoolsCampground · Restroom
5.3 mi awayBlue Pools TrackShort forest stroll to vivid blue pools and swing-bridge viewsEasy · 1.9 mi · 1 hr
12.7 mi awayBrewster TrackShort, brutally steep climb to a hut with glacier viewsChallenging · 2 mi · 3.5 hr
