Caples Track

Thanks Chef.Two for that info that has answerd my questions as well.I also will have a long walk with one days rest Routeburn,days rest,caples,greenstone it seems hard to get good info from DOCS you need to speek to somebody who has done the walk

Thanks chef.two. I didn't know the mid greenstone hut was not a docs hut! Is it for private trampers? We will have to stay at the slyburn hut, which is docs? Makes the next day somewhat longer! About how much extra do you reckon? How many bunks in the slyburn? Lots of questions hey? Our "bible", the lonely planet, which we have used on all our tramps in NZ is a tad out of date! Thanks again. Peter.

The Greenstone Hut is 3-5 hours walk from the road end and is set up on a hill with nice views and a resident warden over summer. It's slightly off the main track as you can see here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=glenorchy&sll=-41.122223,174.866127&sspn=0.006288,0.013379&ie=UTF8&ll=-44.978096,168.261366&spn=0.011809,0.026758&t=h&z=16 KcKellar Hut is 4.5 - 6.5 hours walk from there, and as you near Steele Creek you'll walk right past Steele Creek Lodge, a private hut for hunters. Note that 1 hr beyond McKellar hut is the track junction for the Caples (right) and Howden hut on the Routeburn (left/straight). Just about the last flat ground until you get to the saddle. I hear there is an unofficial but well graded track from McKellar to Key Summit up to the ridge and right along it that the guided walkers use. The views would be great in clear weather and possibly a good day trip if you loop back down past Howden hut. DoC info (in reverse for you): http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=36528

Hi wet_boots. Thanks for the info and links. Hope you get out of Welly soon then!

No probs. So do I - every day :)