Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Barker's for Brunch
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 66 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
38.0km
1170m
1170m
1560m
Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 30th Nov 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 66 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
38.0km
1170m
1170m
1560m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
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Not suitable
Slow
5:30
Moderate
4:00
Fast
A summer-autumn in/out run to a spectacular high hut, when the rivers are low. Leave early so you have plenty of time to enjoy brunch and take in the expansive views at and around the hut. From the car head off up the Waimak river- crossing it towards Turkey Flat and on to the Anti-Crow hut. The marked track continues upriver and leads to Carrington hut (all very runnable).
From Carrington hut continue up the White River and as the valley sweeps round to the south-west cross onto the other side (not on the cableway). From here the going is slower, and routefinding is less clear, but you are simply heading up-valley. After crossing the gushing stream off the Cahill Glacier you need to negotiate a steep ravine (look for cairns). Once across this head steeply up the side of rocky knoll (the hut is on the top of this - head up with the knoll on your right) and cut back to the hut. The hut has an awesome location and views, by a tarn with big mountains around, and expansive views. Excellent place to spend some time and explore. Return the same way - going back is much easier.
mountains, glaciers, tarns, rivers, and the highest hut in Arthur's Pass NP
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking - reasonably secure, however turn your side mirrors in (to avoid keas removing your side mirrors - happened to us once).
9 km
9 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
take a topomap and read the links below
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
plenty of water at huts and in the streams
In winter/spring the route from Carrington to Barker Hut is often deep snow (with Avalanche risk) so not feasible for a run. The rivers also need to be low to negotiate them safely. Definitely a run that is best from mid-summer to early autumn, in settled weather, and not after heavy rain.
Bealey Pub
Bealey
https://www.thebealey.co.nz/
Moas and beer
Sheffield pie shop
Sheffield
best pies between Christchurch and Arthurs Pass
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Barker's for Brunch
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RH
Ran from o malleys track by the bridge as rivers were high, we measured it as 50km return. Was 0.7m when we ran for reference and was achievable. Amazing run, barker hut is the most magical spot for a hut I’ve seen. Easy jog to carrington, carrington - barker technical boulder hopping and a steep scramble to finish. Highly reccomend
November 8, 2022
Barker Hut is in a stunning location, but I think even Killian Jornet would struggle to do this in 4hrs return!!
6-8hrs return is more realistic. There are lots of big rocks and no track up the White River. Carrington to Barker will take you just as long as Klondyke to Barker. I measured the distance as 42km return.
July 13, 2021
Barker Hut is just the most magical place to hang out. Did this a few years back now but must return soon. Thanks Mike
October 24, 2018
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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