Blazing Saddles
Park Pass Glacier and Lake Nerine Circuit Guided Hike
Hike ⋅ Pack Camp
Challenging ⋅ 5 Nights
From $8,000 (based on 5 adults)
If you’re ready for an unforgettable high alpine off-track hiking adventure, then this mission in the UNESCO World Heritage Area will be tough to beat.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 3 Nights Pack Camp
- 2 Nights at Base Camp
- 2 Dinners at Base Camp
- 2 Breakfasts at Base Camp
- All Food in the Field
- Technical Gear Hire
- 4x4 Track Transfers
ITINERARY
Day One:
Arrive at The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp and get settled in. You’ll meet your guide who will brief you in and check your gear. We have a licensed wood-fired restaurant, sauna, cosy mountaineer’s huts — everything you might need for a good night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s adventure.
Day Two:
Up nice and early, breakfast, final gear check then off to the start point with your guide. You will experience some adventurous off-track terrain and you may be required to channel your inner monkey. Your guide will also be happy to help you with an introduction to the skills required for off-track mountain movement. Your first pack camp will be in the alpine zone.
Day Three:
Explore Park Pass and then hike to your second pack camp by the tarns just below Lake Nerine.
Day Four:
Lake Nerine, up and over Nereus Peak, down through North Col with your third pack camp in the upper valley of the North Branch of the Routeburn. There is a small amount of scrambling and no rope work, but your guide will carry a rope just in case.
Day Five:
You will meet your track transfer at the Routeburn carpark and back to the team at The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp. Expect a bit of a welcome — they all know how epic your tramp was. Showers, sauna, debrief with your guide, go through the photos, chill, bar, dinner at our restaurant and a great night’s sleep in your now quite familiar mountaineer’s hut.
Day Six:
Breakfast and take your time checking out in the morning, transfers to Queenstown Airport are available if required.
FITNESS
You will need to be in good shape. We recommend at least 6 weeks of regular walks carrying a 10-15kg backpack. If your hiking boots are new, breaking them in during this training period is recommended to save discomfort in the field.
ADVENTURE SAFETY
To learn more about risks and your safety in the outdoors click here.