Last Updated: 11th Jan 2024
Broderick Pass Assault
Submitted by Giles Fairbrother
Last Updated: 11th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 78 ?
Gnarl Factor: 72 ?
39.0km
1610m
1610m
1632m
Last Updated: 11th Jan 2024
Submitted by Giles Fairbrother
Last Updated: 11th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 78 ?
Gnarl Factor: 72 ?
39.0km
1610m
1610m
1632m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%
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14:00
Slow
10:30
Moderate
7:00
Fast
Leave the hut after writing in intentions book and head on true right track over the hill to the flat up to the Main valley forks. Turn up the Huxley here.
You can follow the river bed the whole way to Huxley Forks or the track.You choose. We did the track on the way in and river on the way out.
After leaving the Forks hut the valley closes up considerably and you shuffle round the side of the river and sometimes up on the terraces. It's very up and down until you reach Broderick Hut. Stand back and take it all in. You are in true rugged back country here. The hut is at high avalanche risk in winter and you wouldn't want to be around.
Follow your nose and the white poles across avalanche chutes to the base of the climb to the pass. This is a very solid climb the whole way. There are tarns up near the top - or there was in January- but fill at least your bottle up and conserve just in case. Stop and enjoy the different look outs on the way up - it is mind blowing. And keep an eye out for poles as they are far apart at times and hard to find. Keep reading your map for the contour lines and do not veer off trail or you will get bluffed!! Do not attempt in fog.
Once at the pass you will look down Mackenzie Creek to the mighty Landsborough on one side and down the Huxley on the other. Mount Strauchon and Mount Mackenzie tower either side of you. Soak it up, the re-trace your steps.
General 5 star nz mountain scenery from start to finish. The Huxley Valley is a special part of this area.
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.
Park where sensible to hut uses.
60 km
63 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
the last climb to the pass - see description
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
Good water the whole way with little or no stock
Do not attempt if:
- forecast is changable even slightly
- there's a norwester or southerly blowing or forecasted
- it has been raining in the hills
Do not attempt any time outside summer/autumn - winter is dangerous and spring is very dangerous, especially avalanche season
it is the usual mount hazards. Tree roots, slippery rocks, deep rivers, falls from bluffs
Ohau Lodge
Lake Ohau Road
Handy to finish but it is tourist prices beware.
good coffee and beer selection
accomodation and good food
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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