Casey and Bindler saddles route guide brochure · ROUTE GUIDE Casey and Binser saddles Arthur's...
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ROUTE GUIDE Casey and Binser saddles Arthur's Pass National Park Published by: Department of Conservation Rangiora Office PO Box 349, Rangiora 7440 New Zealand December 2015 Editing and design: Publishing Team, DOC National Office Cover: Casey Saddle. Photo: O Glintmeyer Further information For information, maps, weather forecasts and track condition updates: Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre SH73, Arthur’s Pass Phone 03 318 9211 8.00 am – 5.00 pm (summer), 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (winter) [email protected] www.doc.govt.nz www.adventuresmart.org.nz The track passes down a delightful broad grassy avenue between forest margins, following the line of an ancient stream. The track becomes vague in the gravel bed of a side creek, but resumes clearly enough on the grassy expanse of Rabbit Flat. Beyond Rabbit Flat there are views down river to the prominent Peveril Peak (opposite Pete Stream and the track over Binser Saddle). Across the river from Aeroplane Flat the very obvious slip at the head of Cleland Stream is a legacy of an earthquake that in 1929 split Falling Mountain at the head of the Edwards valley. A small climb leads to the crossing of Mt Brown Creek, opposite the East Branch of the Poulter. Below the East Branch (and again both sides of Pete Stream), steps of river terraces bear graphic testimony to a landscape that has continued to change since Pleistocene-age glaciers withdrew from this part of the valley. The highest terraces are the remains of the old post- glacial valley floor. With subsequent uplift, the river and side streams have cut down into the outwash gravels, each new course being lower and narrower than the one before. Midway between Mt Brown Creek and Pete Stream, the track climbs easily over a broad old alluvial fan and returns to the lower terraces. The poplars between the track and the hillside mark the site of the old Minchin homestead. E.C. Minchin (after whom Lake Minchin was named) began runholding here in 1857 and remained until 1870. In 1860 ownership of the run passed to Major Thomas Woolaston White, who built a new homestead near Lake Letitia, on what is now known as Mt White Station. Over the Binser Saddle to Mt White Road Time: 3 hours 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes walk along Mt White Road, back to Andrews Shelter There is a sign at the ford at Pete Stream, pointing out Binser Saddle Track. The track climbs the terraces on the true right of that stream towards a marker on the terrace rim. It is easy to miss the turn-off to Binser Saddle, so be vigilant when nearing Pete Stream. Follow the outer lip of the highest terrace until a track winding through the low mānuka scrub becomes obvious. The track soon enters the forest, still keeping close to the edge of this terrace. It takes a fairly direct line on to Binser Saddle, beginning at an easy gradient but getting steeper further on. The forest is open mountain beech and for the most part the track is easy to follow. Near the saddle a stream runs close to the track, so water is no problem. After a heavy winter areas of wind-thrown trees obscure and obstruct the track in places as you approach and cross the saddle. The track follows the foot of the slopes on the northern side and is not hard to regain if you lose it. The climb to the saddle is further than it may seem from the Poulter valley floor, being some 600 m. Beyond the saddle, a pleasant little open flat has good camping sites, with running water a few minutes on down the hill. At the bottom left-hand corner (heading westwards) the track re- enters the forest. After passing through wind-throw and thick regeneration, the track becomes dry and open. After crossing a side stream it winds through more storm-ravaged forest and drops steeply down to the Waimakariri River flats, emerging just east of Lower Farm Stream. Watch out for wasps in late summer. People heading in the opposite direction up the Binser Saddle should follow up the vehicle track on the true left of this stream and look for the track sign at the forest edge, towards the upper limit of the grassy flats. Note too, that the track is a little steep and rough in the early stages as it clambers up from the valley floor. Note: Casey Hut burnt down October 2015. You will need a tent.
Transcript of Casey and Bindler saddles route guide brochure · ROUTE GUIDE Casey and Binser saddles Arthur's...
ROUTE GUIDE
Casey and Binser saddlesArthur's Pass National Park
Published by: Department of Conservation Rangiora OfficePO Box 349, Rangiora 7440New Zealand December 2015
Editing and design: Publishing Team, DOC National Office
Cover: Casey Saddle. Photo: O Glintmeyer
Further informationFor information, maps, weather forecasts and track condition updates:Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor CentreSH73, Arthur’s PassPhone 03 318 92118.00 am – 5.00 pm (summer), 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (winter)[email protected] www.doc.govt.nzwww.adventuresmart.org.nz
The track passes down a delightful broad grassy avenue between forest margins, following the line of an ancient stream. The track becomes vague in the gravel bed of a side creek, but resumes clearly enough on the grassy expanse of Rabbit Flat.Beyond Rabbit Flat there are views down river to the prominent Peveril Peak (opposite Pete Stream and the track over Binser Saddle). Across the river from Aeroplane Flat the very obvious slip at the head of Cleland Stream is a legacy of an earthquake that in 1929 split Falling Mountain at the head of the Edwards valley.A small climb leads to the crossing of Mt Brown Creek, opposite the East Branch of the Poulter. Below the East Branch (and again both sides of Pete Stream), steps of river terraces bear graphic testimony to a landscape that has continued to change since Pleistocene-age glaciers withdrew from this part of the valley. The highest terraces are the remains of the old post-glacial valley floor. With subsequent uplift, the river and side streams have cut down into the outwash gravels, each new course being lower and narrower than the one before.Midway between Mt Brown Creek and Pete Stream, the track climbs easily over a broad old alluvial fan and returns to the lower terraces. The poplars between the track and the hillside mark the site of the old Minchin homestead. E.C. Minchin (after whom Lake Minchin was named) began runholding here in 1857 and remained until 1870. In 1860 ownership of the run passed to Major Thomas Woolaston White, who built a new homestead near Lake Letitia, on what is now known as Mt White Station.
Over the Binser Saddle to Mt White RoadTime: 3 hours 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes walk along Mt White Road, back to Andrews ShelterThere is a sign at the ford at Pete Stream, pointing out Binser Saddle Track. The track climbs the terraces on the true right of that stream towards a marker on the terrace rim. It is easy to miss the turn-off to Binser Saddle, so be vigilant when nearing Pete Stream. Follow the outer lip of the highest terrace until a track winding through the low mānuka scrub becomes obvious. The track soon enters the forest, still keeping close to the edge of this terrace. It takes a fairly direct line on to Binser Saddle, beginning at an easy gradient but getting steeper further on. The forest is open mountain beech and for the most part the track is easy to follow.Near the saddle a stream runs close to the track, so water is no problem. After a heavy winter areas of wind-thrown trees obscure and obstruct the track in places as you approach and cross the saddle. The track follows the foot of the slopes on the northern side and is not hard to regain if you lose it. The climb to the saddle is further than it may seem from the Poulter valley
floor, being some 600 m.Beyond the saddle, a pleasant little open flat has good camping sites, with running water a few minutes on down the hill. At the bottom left-hand corner (heading westwards) the track re-enters the forest. After passing through wind-throw and thick regeneration, the track becomes dry and open. After crossing a side stream it winds through more storm-ravaged forest and drops steeply down to the Waimakariri River flats, emerging just east of Lower Farm Stream. Watch out for wasps in late summer.People heading in the opposite direction up the Binser Saddle should follow up the vehicle track on the true left of this stream and look for the track sign at the forest edge, towards the upper limit of the grassy flats. Note too, that the track is a little steep and rough in the early stages as it clambers up from the valley floor.
Note: Casey Hut burnt down October 2015. You will need a tent.
SummaryTime: 2-day loopGrade: Tramping trackExperience: Suitable for trampers with moderate experienceBest season: Summer, autumn and winterRequired maps: NZTopo50: Cass BV21Hazards: Flooded rivers/side streams, waspsNote: 'True left' and 'true right' refer to the side of the valley or river when facing and looking downstream.Safety: This route guide must be read in conjunction with Tramping in Arthur’s Pass National Park, a free brochure with important safety information, and New Zealand's Outdoor Safety Code.Before setting out, check the latest track conditions and avalanche advisory with the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre.
Your safety is your responsibility. Before you go, know the Outdoor Safety Code – 5 simple rules to help you stay safe:
1. Plan your trip properly – Ensure that you have a capable leader.
2. Tell someone – Leave your trip details with a trusted contact and at www.adventuresmart.org.nz.
3. Check the weather – Including www.avalanche.net.nz and get the latest information on hazards and facilities before you start.
4. Know your limits – Physical fitness and good equipment will make all the difference.
5. Take sufficient supplies – Carry a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, sufficient food, raincoat, overtrousers, gloves, hat, and several layers of warm clothes.
A moderate weekend loop tramp This is a pleasant two-day tramp starting at Andrews Shelter. It follows the Andrews Valley to Casey Saddle (777 m) and down the Surprise and Casey stream catchments to reach the old Casey Hut site. The next day the track follows the Poulter River Track along grassy river terraces, before turning onto the Binser Saddle Track just after fording Pete Stream. The track leads over Binser Saddle (1,085 m) and descends steeply to Mt White Road. From here it is a 30 min walk back to Andrews Shelter. Historically the track from Andrews Shelter to Casey Saddle followed the Andrews streambed, and this is still a popular
(and more challenging) alternative when the river is low and no rain is forecast. However it is not as easy to follow the Surprise and Casey streams on the other side of the saddle, and we recommend that you stay on the Casey Track.The weather is often drier in this south-eastern corner of the park than in areas close to or west of the Main Divide. Accordingly this tramp can often be done when conditions elsewhere in the park are unsuitable.
Getting thereThe track ends are within 30 min walk of each other on Mt White Road. The track starts at Andrews Shelter on Mt White Road (turn off SH73, 24 km east of Arthur's Pass village). The route can be walked either way, but most people prefer starting at Andrews Shelter.
Andrews Shelter to the old Casey Hut siteTime: 6–8 hours one way (allow 2 extra hours if following the Andrews streambed in low flows and fine weather)
Andrews TrackJust upstream of the bridge near Andrews Shelter, a marked track begins on the true left and climbs steeply through open scrub to the beech forests above. It continues to climb but then meanders across regular side creeks, while generally keeping much to the same contour. Eventually it rejoins Andrews Stream at Hallelujah Flat (about 2 hr 30 min from the shelter).From the start of Hallelujah Flat, follow the grassy flats over Casey Saddle. An obvious worn track with limited marking crosses the open flats, with a few sections in the stream and bush. The saddle itself is a mixture of tussock and low scrubs, dominated by sprawling bog pine Halocarpus bidwillii and the lighter-coloured Hebe odora. Parties travelling in the opposite direction should look for the track leaving Hallelujah Flat a little below the side-creek on the true left. This gives a view right up the creek bed to the scree and ridge-crest beyond, and is about 10 min downstream from the last clear view back up Hallelujah Flat to Casey Saddle. For the first 10 min the track keeps within a few metres of the stream bank then climbs into the beech forest.Andrews streambed You can only follow the streambed from Andrews Shelter if the stream is low. Marked sections of track cut across small terraces on the many corners – you will cross the stream often. Mountain toatoa, koromiko, Olearia avicenniaefolia/tree daisy, and bush lawyer/tātarāmoa are all common, with mountain beech/tawhairauriki along the banks.About an hour upstream the stream forms a gorge (that may
contain flood debris). Towards the top end, one deep pool is easily negotiated by scrambling over the low rocky bluffs. After this it’s easy tussock flats, best walked on the true right.Where the forested banks draw together again the forest track is close to the river (on the true left). Where the track emerges, follow the flats to Casey Saddle as described above. Watch out for wasps in late summer.Casey TrackBeyond the saddle, keep to the terrace immediately above Surprise Stream. After a few minutes, the reasonably well-worn track crossing the saddle drops into the streambed below a small swamp. The forest track to Casey Hut begins a few minutes below the Trinity Stream–Surprise Stream–Pampas Stream confluence. The track marker is tucked under the forest canopy on the true right, just past a bit of rough track through scrub on that side.About 50 m downstream from the marker on the opposite side, a steep eroded gravel bank drops into the stream. If you get as far as this almost treeless bank, then you have overshot the track. From the stream the track climbs a little, sidles then descends a ridge to emerge from the bush on a large grass flat near Casey Stream.The Casey Hut site is back from the stream at the bush edge, midway down the flat. The 16-bunk Casey Hut burnt down in October 2015 and is not expected to be replaced in the immediate future. You will need to take a tent with you to camp at the site which still has a toilet. The 6-bunk Trust /Poulter Hut is a further 1 hour 30 min up the Poulter valley and requires crossing the Casey Stream which can rise very quickly.
Casey Hut site to Pete Stream (Poulter River)Time: 4–5 hours one wayFrom the old Casey Hut site climb up onto the forested terrace and follow the track south through magnificent stands of red beech. The track soon reaches a large clearing and joins an old vehicle track in the Poulter valley. Follow this track to Pete Stream. The track through the open sections isn’t marked, but it is marked through the bush sections. The going is mostly through open tussock grassland with matagouri, mānuka and small-leaved coprosma scrub.If you lose the track, finding it again is not difficult. Fine open vistas are soon seen from the broad bed of the Poulter. Upriver to the north is Mt Morrison on Snow Cup Range. Across the river on the south-western flanks of Poulter Range, hundreds of hectares of beech forest lie ravaged from a single storm late in 1981 which flattened almost every standing tree on these exposed hillsides.
