Staircase Hut - Easy

The Otehake hotpools can be found in Arthurs Pass and make a great overnighter. They're about 7 hours drive from Dunedin which is a bit of a bummer, but if you're around Christchurch they're a lot closer. The track starts by the Taramakau River, which in normal conditions is easily fordable. A flood bridge exists upstream but it will add an hour or two onto the walk. The beginning of the track crosses easy-going farmland for an hour before turning off up towards Lake Kaurapataki via the dry looking Pfiefer Creek. The track eventually goes into the bush before passing by the lake and some nice campsites. It then follows the lake shore around, then cutting up and over a spur and down to the Otehake river. On the spur there is a signpost to the old bridge, from here it is an hour or so to the hotpools up river. The descent to the river involves a bit of cliff scrambling and a section that turns into a waterfall in heavy rain. Once beside the river it is another k and a half before the hotpools can be found hidden in a bend in the river on the other side. This involves another river crossing and so it is important to be aware of the weather forecast as to not get stuck. There is amble camping spots on the river side of the hotpools. All in all it takes around 3 hours to walk to the hot pools and maybe half that to get back to the carpark.

Grade: Moderate Time of the year: All year around in the valley, but be wary of snow and avalanche conditions from June to November (ice axes and crampons may be required on the tops or to get up to the head of the valley) Accommodation: Canyon Creek rock biv, free, (situated at the upper head of the valley), camping in the lower valley just inside the bush, free, there is an excellent campsite with a perfect rock face for a fire, up the main Ahuriri Valley there are numerous other huts, most of which are $5.10 pp/ night or free with an Annual Backcountry Hut Pass. Friday night: Camping and toilet facilities are located at the road-end. The 4WD road passes by Ahuriri Base Hut, relatively small, six bunks, $5.10 pp/ night or free with an Annual Backcountry Hut Pass. This hut can generally be reached in a 2WD assuming there have been no wash-outs on the road (but don’t count on it) Route: Begins with a bit of a climb on a well-marked track through mountain beech forest and then levels out alongside the river. Backcountry tramping experience will be needed for those wishing to continue on to the Canyon Creek rock biv at the head of Canyon Creek. There is a route marked by orange poles and rock cairns that heads up the true right of the waterfall nearing the head of the valley. Directions: Take SH1 north from Dunedin to Oamaru (good takeaway stop). Just passed Oamaru is a turnoff on the left to Omarama on SH83. If you reach the Waitake Bridge or Glenavy, you have gone too far. Continue to Omarama and turn left onto SH8. About 15 minutes further (maybe a little longer) is a right hand turn onto Birchwood Road. Continue down this road to Ahuriri Conservation Park (another 30-45 minutes). From SH8 (south of Omarama) it is approximately 45 km to the Ahuriri Conservation Park boundary, which can be negotiated by 2WD vehicles. From the boundary to the road end car park 4WD vehicles are required. However, recreationalists may decide to mountain bike instead. Total travel time is approximately 3.5-4 hours. Ahuriri Valley (main): there are a number of huts only a couple of hours apart (Shamrock Hut, Hagens Hut, Top Hut). Related trips: Snowy Gorge Hut : there is a marked route up a side valley coming off the Ahuriri. It is also possible to cross over to Lake Ohau through this route. Consult DOC, as permission from the landowners is required to do the complete crossing. Mountaineering : Mt Heim or Mt Barth – both require technical mountaineering equipment and skills. Consult guidebooks and/ or club members. / Originally from Antics 2012