the vague remnants of the track are intersected high on it’s tussock border. In winter this entire area is snow bound, and finding a comfortable route is quite difficult. If the snow is firm staying high away from the White River is generally easier. Also note that many of these screes are avalanche prone in winter (especially below Mt Isobel / Davie).
The “black” gorge further upstream is rarely negotiable. A climb up steep scree or tussock to pick up the original trail, some 70 metres above the White River, is generally a compulsory move. Rock cairns mark the benched routes location until it finally descends back to the river. This route, though not clearly marked is easily followed, especially on your return journey (ie. going downstream).
The route continues hard up the true left climbing slightly under some "balancing" rocks, leading to a crossing of the Cahill Creek just above the White confluence. A short steep hill climb leads to the "chasm" (marked by large cairns). Dependant on the season this obstacle may be bridged by a very suspect snow plug (use a rope!). Two loose, steep descent gullies exist about 60 & 100 metres upstream of the old swing bridge location (marked by plaque on opposite side). On crossing the chasm, a long hill climb on rock/scree skirts around the southern side of the main bluff. A series of gullies top out at Barker Hut.
If the water flow in the chasm is too much to ford safely, not an irregular occurrence, a route exists climbing a series of “dry” gullies on the true left of the large rock buttress. Sidle on the very loose slopes to the Marmaduke Dixon Stream, crossing near the glacier’s terminal. The White Stream is easily crossed, then follow a series of easy slabs up to the ridge behind Barker Hut.
The time from Carrington Hut to Barker Hut is approximately 3˝ hrs without snow on the ground. Allow for a possible 2˝ hrs extra in winter or high water conditions.
WHITE RIVER - HARMAN PASS - JULIA HUT
Cross the White River at the first safe opportunity, alternatively use the Clough Cableway. Rock-hop up the true left bank to the Taipoiti confluence. Continue boulder-hopping up the Taipoiti River. Follow the stream through the narrow gorge until you reach the cairned beginning of a bypass track on the true-left. This track skirts over the top of a small waterfall crossing the stream to it’s true-right. The entire gorge can be avoided in adverse conditions by using a rough, high bypass trail on the true-left above the scrub-line. Note : In late winter / early summer this area may contain large amounts of avalanche ice suspended some 10’s of metres above the streambed with a risk of falling through!
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