Maori Name - Not Found
This hike was so worthwhile, we did it twice in a week.
To be honest, we didn't complete it the first time due to deep snow prohibiting the final scramble, but we were so sure the views would be incredible, that we went back the next week after the snow had receded somewhat. And we were right! Mt Alfred sits on its own at the fork of the Dart River and Rees River. These two rivers combine and empty into Lake Wakatipu so, when looking south, you get a spectacular view of the delta land, the lake and the surrounding mountains.
To the north, you can see where the Dart River flows from- a place known as Paradise, an area that was used many times in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are mountains in basically every direction.
To get to the start of the track, you need to follow the Glenorchy-Routeburn road and drive around to the west side of the mountain- to the small carpark with a stile over the fence. This confused us as there was no typical Department of Conservation signage at the carpark and we almost turned back. (i.e., don't stop at the Diamond River carpark, keep driving to the other side of the mountain.) This side of the mountain is covered in thick beech forest. Once you are in the forest (about 100m from the carpark), you will finally see the sign. Not the best placement.
This track is great for forest lovers with the different shades of green changing as the sun moves overhead in the afternoon. The track at this time of the year is very muddy and intersected by many small streams. Good waterproof shoes are a must and expect slips. There are also a lot of roots crossing the path so trip hazards are all over the place. Home made walking sticks really helped with this hike.
The first time we did it, the track became snowy whilst we were still below the tree line. Some parts are steep and this, combined with the snow, slowed us down.
The forest comes to an abrupt end about 3/4 of the way up the mountain. The last quarter is steep and exposed and had about 30cm of snow covering it on attempt one. We tried to make a path up to the ridge, but it was too difficult with no tracks to follow and uncertainty about the correct route and safety of the trail.
The mountain had lost most of its snow on the second attempt, however there was still considerable cover on the final ascent. This time there were tracks to follow and we felt like the top was attainable. Scrambling up, there is a section that is very narrow with a sheer drop on one side so I'm glad we didn't attempt it in the thick snow.
On the ridge, there is a lot more to explore than you would expect. You can walk the ridge to the north for a few hundred meters to look out over paradise, or take it to the south for a shot of the lake. I think the photos speak for themselves. Worth it!
It is the best vista you can get in the area as Mt Alfred stands alone on the delta land- past glaciers have pushed either side of it. You can see into Fiordland and spot a few of the glaciers that are on the move today (sorry- not sure which ones!) and the start of the Routeburn- giving you a taste of what the famed track can offer over the summer months. There was nobody on the whole track the second time we did it which, I'll admit, made me a little nervous being on the top for too long, but it definitely added to the magic of the hike. (It's always good to advise someone of your whereabouts). When conditions are good, it would be a great spot for a picnic if you can get going early.
It took us roughly 4 hours up and back, with about half an hour at the top. This was in August- still winter- so other seasons might see you do it quicker, depending on your ability. I would have liked to have stayed at the top longer, but it was already getting late in the day. I recommend trying to start pretty early. You are advised to contact the owners of the area at the top of the mountain to let them know you are going to be entering their land as they might have livestock up there. (The number can be found on brochures about the hike/ at the visitor centre in Glenorchy).
This remained our favourite day hike in the area, and possibly the whole of NZ. I highly recommend doing it!
** Update Dec 2016. The Earnslaw Station who own the property above the bushline have removed public access. Anyone wanting to access the top quarter of the track will have to ask permission and arrange for a guide: http://www.glenorchycommunity.nz/assets/News-Files/Access-to-the-Summit-of-Mt-Alfred.pdf
by Jessica Channing
