Hi all, just considering a trip in the south island over winter, probably August. Wondering which one-night (or possibly two-night) overnighters would be recommended? Keen to do Welcome Flat if it's possible in winter, what else might be good?
Any advice welcome! Thanks.
depends on the weather and your ability/desire to be in snow or storm conditions.
if you dont want snow or to be exposed in storms, pick a track that stays low and that doesnt have avalanche danger avalanche danger is more of a problem on low lying tracks toward teh bottom of the south island in steep sided valleys.
welcome flat should be doable all year round
Yes Welcome flat is a popular trip in Winter I was hut wardening up there for a week last winter,not super busy but theres usually someone there,takes about 7 hours walk.And the hot pools are a good attraction of course,its also a nice walk further up the valley to Douglas Hut,but you cross a few avalanche paths,and wil add a extra night to the trip.
Thanks all. Waynowski, I'm not looking to do anything alpine, so anything low-level is good!
hollyford valley, greenstone, possibly caples, part of the kepler
Above suggestions all great, and being August should be reasonably quiet - a good time to visit them.
The following are less-visited, pleasent options when the snowline is too low for higher stuff:
West coast valleys:
- Moeraki Valley - Blowfly / Horseshoe huts (near Haast, west coast)
Canterbury high country valleys:
- South Temple or maybe Huxley Forks (Ohau)
Otago / southland beech forest:
- Snowdon Forest: Mavora lakes / Kiwi Burn (Southland - only an hour or two walk each way, but a nice spot and a cheap night's accommodation in you're in the area!)
- Eyre Mountains - often possible to get into Irthing Hut via Cromel in winter for views from the hut to the Helen Peaks. Always possible to reach Cromel or Mansion - but not as exciting - beech valley walks without the views.
- Timaru Creek or Dingleburn (Hawea) - longer days up beach-clad valleys with snowcapped peaks above. Both are there-and-back walks in winter though.
Lewis Pass:
- Nina valley
mKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD COLD WEATHER CLOTHING AND A GOOD SLEEPING BAG, THE TEMP WILL GO WELL BELOW ZERO AT NIGHT.
Thanks Madpom, much appreciated.
Waynowski - we'll be very well equipped! :)
