Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track

Part of this section required following the riverbed upstream, keeping to the true right bank as much as possible. You will need to cross the river several times. The track climbs into the forest at a marked point just below the junction with Long Valley Stream; it is easy to miss if you are on the wrong side of Cass River so stay on the true right. The river is crossed again via a bridge, then the track climbs for another 20–30 minutes before crossing the river again. Cass Saddle Hut is reached soon after you have crossed to the true right bank. It has three bunks and a wood burning stove. Water can be obtained from a small stream just to the south-east of the hut.

The tussock basin above Cass Saddle Hut is reached shortly after leaving the hut, and the poled route climbs gradually to the saddle. Hamilton Hut can be seen in the distance down the valley. Traverse left for 200 metres to the start of the cut track. This area is subject to avalanche activity during the winter. During heavy snow conditions, we advise visitors not to travel this route unless sufficiently equipped and experienced to assess the conditions and choose a safe path through avalanche terrain. The track drops steeply from the saddle, and then more gently through the bush terraces, joining Hamilton Creek 15 minutes from Hamilton Hut . This is the most common place to stay for those completing this circuit. The 20-bunk hut has a wood burning stove and a radio linked to Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre. Calls can be made during office hours to obtain weather forecasts.

The route to The Pinnacles is down the Harper River from Hamilton Creek, following the Te Araroa Trail, initially on a walking track, then a 4WD track. The Harper River needs to be crossed several times – crossings should not be attempted if the river is high. The Pinnacles are set back a short way on the true right bank.

Around 10 minutes after heading downstream from Hamilton Hut, the route crosses the creek over a footbridge and joins the Harper Valley Track to become the Lagoon Saddle Track. Just after this is a short, but rather steep, side track up to Mirror Tarn which takes around 20 mins return. The track then continues up the Harper Valley, crossing the river over a swing bridge soon aftereards. After crossing the Harper River, the route continues upstream on the true right of the river to West Harper Hut. If the weather conditions are suitable, and the river is not in flood, ambling along the riverbed is a nice alternative and includes some great swimming holes along the way. West Harper Hut (a hut built in the 1950s) has five canvas bunks, a fireplace and a dirt floor. It's very rustic, so you may want to consider staying elsewhere, or pitching a tent.

From West Harper Hut the track bypasses a small gorge to reach river flats which are then followed to the confluence of Long Creek and Harper River. Follow the markers up the Harper riverbed for approximately 500 metres and then a formed track on the true left climbs steadily to Lagoon Saddle Shelter. Lagoon Saddle Hut is located just across the river and has two bunks and mattresses.

From Lagoon Saddle Hut the track gradually climbs through patches of beech forest above the tarns on Lagoon Saddle. It is marked by poles and markers. Once on the northern face of Mount Bruce, the track descends through tussock and gives views of the snow-capped peaks of Arthur’s Pass National Park and the braided Waimakariri River. The track descends through beech and exotic forest to Bealey Hut (six bunks). A further 5-minute walk from the hut takes you to the car park by Cora Lynn Station, and another 2 minutes to SH73.

Hamilton Hut West Harper Hut Lagoon Saddle Shelter Lagoon Saddle Hut Bealey Hut

Both track entrances are alongside State Highway 73 (SH73) between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass. Some bus services from Christchurch to the West Coast will drop you off by arrangement. The Cass River end of the track starts from the signposted car park at the east end of the Cass Road bridge, opposite Cass settlement. This car park is frequently targeted by vandals and thieves. Alternatively, you can park at the marked car park at Cass settlement and walk 1 km along the gravel road to the start of the track on SH73. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. To reach the western end of the track, turn off SH73 about 14 km east of Arthur’s Pass village, onto Cora Lynn Road. This road also leads to the Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge and Cora Lynn Station. There is a car park here for trampers through the gate signposted ‘Cass – Lagoon Track’. Use this location in 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.