Looking for experienced opinion on preference for taking the Clarence Pass route as opposed to the Waiau Pass route.
Would be coming from Travers Pass direction;
Taking either Sabine River East Branch toward Clarence Pass onto Lake Tennyson and taking the 4WD track through Maling Pass eventually coming out in the Waiau Valley some 8km South of Caroline Creek Bivvy
or;
Continuing to West Sabine Hut, onto Sabine River West Branch towards Blue Lake Hut, over Waiau Pass and eventually stopping at Caroline Creek Bivvy.
Was wondering if anyone found Clarence Pass easier than the Waiau Pass or vice versa.
From different notes i've read, the Clarence Pass is easier on ascent, but the descent has a steep scree slide where caution must be heeded. The Waiau Pass appears to be difficult on ascent but also some tough scrambles down on descent.
It'd be great to get some fresh opinions. The more experienced the better.
N.B For the benefit of doubt i'm going to say the weather conditions should be treated as generally good and mild with a gentle breeze.
Cheers, Bamboo
Anyone care to comment on the above,
Cheers,
Bamboo
ideally search the site before asking about track information
http://tramper.nz/5343/waiau-clarence-pass-lake-tennyson-circuit/
I just read the relevant bits in that link and think that group descended straight down from Clarence Pass. After descending the first screes keep to the right and get onto a long scree which takes you right down to the valley floor, avoiding snow grass slopes, bluffs etc which you would encounter if you go straight down. Was all easy, so far as I remember. My wife hates screes but had no problems! lol
"The Waiau Pass appears to be difficult on ascent but also some tough scrambles down on descent."
Sorry, I can't compare the two passes. However, we didn't find Waiau pass difficult (as you say, in good weather) on ascent or descent.
IMO, the ascent is straight-forward. There is one section where progress is slowed by fine scree (ie 2 steps fwd, 1.5 back) but not difficult.
The descent (into Waiau valley) was fun - really grippy rocks. Just take your time and follow the cairns/poles.
We continued up to Lake Thompson and beyond (see this article http://tramper.nz/8459/st-arnaud-lewis-pass/ )
@waynowski Thanks for the link, FYI I had read the Clarence Pass - Lake Tennyson notes but I was looking for a comparison/opinion between the Waiau and Clarence. As you will know the trail notes in that link only offer a brief insight on the passes themselves and there isn't any great detail or personal experience. They are more directional notes. :)
@deepriver Thanks, yeah scree is fun when you get a good rhythm going. Good to know there is some long scree areas on descending Clarence. Makes for a hopefully quicker descent. Cheers :)
@bernieq Ahh I was considering heading for Lake Thompson too but if I took the Clarence Pass route I may be slightly further south than Thompson, but it's something to consider. Cheers :)
Hi Bamboo,
I went through there a couple of years ago and managed to cop a couple of nor'west storms in the bargain.
Either pass is simple enough, Waiau is a bit scrambly on the way down but not too difficult. As a trip though, Waiau Pass wins hands down, no competition. West Sabine, Blue Lake and Lake Constance are all stunning places.
Hope this helps you,
Morris
Long time listener, first time caller
@Morris Oxford Hi, thanks for that. If both passes are relatively simple and Waiau is more rewarding then I'll probably take the TA route as deep down I didn't want to miss out on Blue Lake.
Thanks for your input. Very helpful.
Studying photos is always useful when researching a route… if they are about. There aren't many of Clarence Pass online but this shows the terrain...
https://picasaweb.google.com/110150820322034133105/NelsonLakesChristmasATCTrip2011?noredirect=1#5699197467957655346
@JETNZ cheers, that photo gives a great perspective of Clarence Pass. From the picture it looks a relatively simple albeit slowish (scree ey!!) ascent. However from @deepriver 's comment it would be fun and pretty quick on the descent. Thanks Jet.
