Shotover Saddle Route

From Raspberry Creek car park, this is an out-and-back of about 16 km (10 miles) total, including the valley approach and return, with roughly 1,200 m of climbing. About 5.3 km each way follows the West Matukituki Track to the Shotover route sign just before Brides Veil Waterfall; the upper route adds about 2.7 km each way to the tarn shelf below the saddle. Allow about nine hours. This is an expert day for experienced alpine trampers, not a casual extension of the valley walk.

The approach follows the West Matukituki Track to the signed branch. From there, the marked but largely unformed route climbs steeply through pasture and patches of bracken, then into higher tussock. The upper line crosses a stream twice and negotiates exposed shingle, rock and tussock before bearing left to an easier tussock slope and knoll. Follow the poles: the route is hard underfoot even when the way ahead looks obvious.

The marked route finishes on a shelf with a large tarn just below Shotover Saddle. From here you look across the West Matukituki Valley toward Rob Roy Peak. The tarn makes a useful foreground for a view back down the valley. Beyond the shelf there is no marked route; continuing needs off-track tramping and navigation experience.

This is complex avalanche terrain, and slides can cross the route, usually from May through November. Wet or snow-covered rock and tussock can be treacherous, and sudden snow can arrive even in summer. Winter and spring are not recommended; early summer can still require crampons and an ice axe. Be ready to turn back if stream levels or conditions make the route unsafe.

Raspberry Creek car park is 54 km west of Wānaka on the Wanaka–Mount Aspiring Road. The final 30 km are gravel, with several creek fords in the last 10 km; heavy rain can make them impassable. If the final two fords are too high, park safely before them and walk the last few hundred metres. The route crosses private land, so stay on the marked line, respect livestock and leave gates as you find them. Dogs are not allowed. Route information lists no food or on-route services, so carry what you need for the full day.