Casey Saddle - Binser Saddle Route

Time: 6 - 8 hr The new Casey Hut is well-marked and signposted. Andrews Track Just upstream from the bridge near Andrews Shelter, a marked track begins on the true left and climbs steeply through open scrub, reaching the beech forests above. The track continues to ascend, meandering across regular side creeks while generally maintaining a similar contour. After about 2 hours and 30 minutes from the shelter, the track rejoins Andrews Stream at Hallelujah Flat. From Hallelujah Flat, follow the grassy flats over Casey Saddle. Andrews streambed When water levels are low, you can follow the streambed. Marked sections of the track cut across small terraces at the bends, requiring frequent stream crossings. About an hour upstream, the stream forms a gorge, which may have flood debris. Near the top, a deep pool can be bypassed by scrambling over low rocky bluffs. Beyond this, tussock flats make for easy walking, best done on the true right. As the forested banks close in again, the track runs close to the river on the true left. Once the track emerges, follow the flats to Casey Saddle as previously described. Casey Track Beyond Casey Saddle, stay on the terrace just above Surprise Stream. After a few minutes, the well-worn track descends into the streambed below a small swamp. The forest track to the Casey Hut site starts a few minutes below the confluence of Trinity Stream, Surprise Stream, and Pampas Stream. Look for the track marker tucked under the forest canopy on the true right, just past a rough patch of scrub. About 50 meters downstream from the marker, on the opposite side, a steep gravel bank drops into the stream. If you reach this nearly treeless bank, you’ve gone too far. From the stream, the track climbs, sidles along the ridge, then descends into the bush, emerging on a large grassy flat near Casey Stream. The original Casey Hut site is located near the bush edge, midway down the flat. From there, follow Casey Stream for another kilometer along its bed to reach the Poulter River flats and the new Casey Hut .

Casey Hut to Pete Stream (Poulter River) Time: 4 - 5 hr From the new Casey Hut, follow an old vehicle track through the Poulter Valley to Pete Stream. The track is unmarked through the open sections but marked where it passes through the bush. If you lose the trail, it’s usually easy to pick it up again. The track meanders down a lovely broad grassy avenue between forest margins, following the course of an ancient stream. Although it may become vague in the gravel bed of a side creek, it clearly resumes on the grassy expanse of Rabbit Flat. A small ascent leads to the crossing of Mt Brown Creek, opposite the East Branch of the Poulter River. Midway between Mt Brown Creek and Pete Stream, the track climbs gently over a broad alluvial fan before returning to the lower terraces. Over Binser Saddle Time: 3 hours 30 minutes From the ford at Pete Stream, ascend the terraces on the true right of the stream towards a marker on the terrace rim. Be vigilant as you approach Pete Stream, as it’s easy to miss the turn-off to Binser Saddle. Follow the outer edge of the highest terrace until the track through low mānuka scrub becomes obvious. The trail soon enters the forest, staying near the terrace’s edge. The initial ascent is gradual but becomes steeper further on. The track passes through open mountain beech forest and is mostly easy to follow. As you near Binser Saddle, a stream runs close to the track, providing a reliable water source. However, sections of the trail are obstructed by wind-thrown trees, especially as you approach the saddle. If you lose the path, it generally follows the base of the slopes on the northern side and can be regained without too much difficulty. The climb to the saddle is longer than it appears from the Poulter Valley floor, with an elevation gain of about 600 metres. Beyond Binser Saddle, you’ll reach a pleasant open flat with good camping spots, and running water is available a few minutes further downhill. At the flat’s lower left corner (heading west), the track re-enters the forest. After passing through areas of wind-throw and thick regeneration, the trail becomes dry, open, and mossy. It crosses a side stream, winds through more storm-damaged forest, and descends steeply to the Waimakariri River flats, emerging just east of Lower Farm Stream. Be cautious in summer, as wasps are common in this area. Their stings are extremely painful, so avoid disturbing their nests. From this point, it’s another 30 minutes to Andrews Shelter.

The track ends are within 30 minutes walk of each other on Mt White Road. The track starts at Andrews Shelter on Mt White Road; turn off SH 73, 24 km east of Arthur's Pass village. Use this location on Google Maps to find your way there.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel

No dogs.