Greenstone–Caples Circuit

Overview

A mellow, four‑day backcountry loop through the Greenstone and Caples valleys, this circuit delivers big South Island scenery without Great Walk crowds. Expect well‑formed valley tracks, open tussock flats, and one subalpine crossing of McKellar Saddle (945 m). Total distance is about 61 km (≈37.9 miles) for the full loop.

Route and Timing

Most walkers go anti‑clockwise (Caples → Greenstone). Day 1: Greenstone road end to Mid Caples Hut, 9 km, 2–3 hours, along the Caples River and past a gorge. Day 2: Mid Caples to McKellar Hut, 22 km, 6–7 hours, over McKellar Saddle with boardwalks protecting fragile subalpine plants. Day 3: McKellar Hut to Greenstone Hut, 18 km, 4.5–6.5 hours, an easier valley wander alternating tussock flats and beech forest. Day 4: Greenstone Hut to the road end, 12 km, 3–5 hours, following the Greenstone River through a long gorge section. Variations include a side trip from McKellar Hut to the Routeburn junction at Lake Howden (1.5–2.5 hours one way) and continuing north on the Mavora–Greenstone Walkway (2–3 days). The Steele Creek route to Greenstone Hut (10–12 hours) is for experienced trampers only.

Huts, Camping, and Fees

DOC huts on the loop are Mid Caples (24 bunks), McKellar (24), and Greenstone (20). These huts and adjacent designated campsites require bookings year‑round. Fees: huts—Adult $25/night, Youth $12.50/night, Child free; campsites—Adult $10/night, Child $5/night, Infant free. A service fee applies to phone or in‑person bookings. Backcountry Hut Passes are valid May 1–Sep 30 only (not accepted Oct 1–Apr 30). You can also book nearby NZ Deerstalkers’ Association huts (Upper Caples, Mid Greenstone) separately. Camping is allowed beside DOC huts with a booking, and otherwise only along the bush edge on public conservation land, more than 50 m from the track; no camping on McKellar Saddle or on privately owned valley floors.

Logistics and Access

The main trailhead is the carpark at the end of Greenstone Road via Glenorchy/Kinloch (about 86 km from Queenstown). The final 11 km is a rough backcountry gravel road with fords and is unsuitable for large campervans. Transport services operate to the track ends, especially in summer.

Best Time to Hike

This is a high‑rainfall area. Summer generally brings the most settled travel and the most transport options. McKellar Saddle is exposed in any season, and avalanches are a risk from May to November, particularly in the lower Greenstone Gorge. Plan conservative days around heavy rain, which can quickly push side streams out of their banks.

Wildlife, Geology, and Leave No Trace

Keep an eye out for takahē reintroduced to these valleys, along with kea, kākā, kākāriki, tomtits, fantails, rifleman, brown creeper, South Island robins, paradise ducks, whio, and hunting New Zealand falcons. Forests are mostly southern beech, with glacially carved valleys exposing Caples Sandstone and Greenstone Mélange. Treat stream water—stock graze lower flats—while hut or higher‑elevation sources are generally safer (treatment still recommended). Parts of the track cross private farmland: stay on marked routes and don’t disturb stock. Bury toilet waste at least 50 m from tracks, huts, campsites, and water. Mountain tutu berries are poisonous.