George Saddle via George Stream route

  • 5 hr – 7 hr return via same track
  • Medium

Challenging South Marlborough tramp up a large stream. Rock and boulder hopping towards the saddle.

George Stream • By MistaB.
George Saddle via George Stream route: Key information
Walking time
1 – 2 days
5 hr – 7 hr
Distance
7.5km
Type
Return via same track
Return via same track
Grade
Medium
Must check weather before setting off - this stream will flood and it is your only way up and down Grades explained
Bookings
No bookings — open access
No — open access
George Saddle via George Stream route: Find it
Starts
George Creek car park
()
Ends
George Saddle
Maps
NZTopo50-BS28
Altitude
100m – 1,180m
Altitude change 1,080m

From the car park you can see Black Hill looming at 1276m, and all you can see is rock, water and tutu (Coriaria arborea).  After a few km the gully narrows, and soon you're boulder hopping/climbing your way up past white water and a few tricky boulder negotiations (if you want to keep your feet dry, otherwise just walk on up!).  Some major slips along the way with the carcasses of animals that didn't succeed at crossing them higher up.  Higher ground is accessible in most sections, and some of it is almost level so you can set up camp.  A hunters' camp is about 5.5 km and 500m up from the car park - tarp is in a nearby tree - you are welcome to use it.  From there it's only another 1km of relatively easy climb until you get to the fork and the final 600m towards the saddle, climbing your final 200m up to 1180.  Beyond that it's hunters country, but Jam hut is about 3.5km NW back down to 650m by following the Doddemeade Stream, or Hacocks Bivouac about 6km SW, a fairly demanding up/down/around affair.

Map
ID 5017

About this track

Added 13 February 2010 by MistaBMistaB. 1 revision 13 February 2010 by MistaBMistaB.
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