The track (if regained) jumps the knoll, then follows close to the Waimakariri river-bed to Greenlaw River (alternatively, round the forested knoll, navigating up the valley clear of the Waimakariri torrent). After fording Harper Creek the track re-enters the bush following a high terrace above the Waimakariri River. Beware of washouts and a notoriously boggy section just prior to the tracks abrupt end at a shingle side-creek. Beyond here regain the river flats of the Waimakariri as the “marked” trail in the bushline was obliterated by the 1994 earthquake.
TO UPPER WAIMAKARIRI RIVER (Waimakariri Col)
Cross the White River near the Waimakariri junction and travel upstream on the true right bank of the Waimakariri River, at first in the river-bed, but shortly entering the bush on a well defined track. The route continues on the true right bank, crossing Campbell Creek in a little over an hour, then turning east towards the gorge at the base of Waimakariri Falls. From here a rough track (staked, and cairned) climbs steeply through low dense shrub on the true right side to the footbridge below rock cliffs. Ford the river or cross the swing bridge (an interesting approach) and follow the trail to Waimakariri Falls Hut (3 hours from Carrington Hut).
For those travelling to Mt Rolleston (access off the glacier running from the north-west ridge), head towards the prominent gorge on the true left of the river visible from the hut. When just below the break, cross the river (to true right) and follow a series of scree slopes up diagonally providing a negotiable route around the ravine. Beware of avalanche danger from the ridge running northeast of Carrington Peak. In very low water it is possible to negotiate the ravine using a succession of ramps in the gorge. It is much easier going downstream than up.
Once above the gorge move eastward towards Mt Rolleston, or if heading to Waimakariri Col continue towards the head of the valley sidling slowly towards the bluffs to the west. About 90m below the ridge turn
west and sidle for about 25 minutes (passing a low rocky peak on the ridge running west from Mt Rolleston) to the flat saddle where this ridge disappears under the glacier below Mt Armstrong.
Note : Under winter conditions the route to Waimakariri Falls Hut tends to be difficult to traverse, and find, due to deep snow. Another option (though possibly more difficult) under these conditions is to come in via the Rolleston River from Otira. In good conditions this can take in excess of 7 hours.
TO BARKER HUT (UPPER WHITE RIVER)
Cross the White River at the first safe opportunity, alternatively use the Clough Cableway. The route follows the true left shingle bank upstream. About 200m upstream of the Kilmarnock Falls Stream (a dangerous crossing in flood) is an old access track. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED to follow this track as the bulk of the route has been destroyed by earthquake and avalanche in 1994. Instead, boulder-hop on the true left of the White River until a very large “square” boulder (4m high) is met on the true left. From here commence climbing the large shingle slide diagonally until
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