From Highway 73, 4½km south of Arthur's Pass village, cross the Bealey River just above its confluence with the Mingha River (do not attempt in times of flood). Round the Mingha corner crossing a small side stream onto the Mingha River flats. Initially travel up the true right in the river-bed, fording the river twice, until the river approaches a narrow gorge. Just past a side creek on the true right, a marked track enters the bush on that side and climbs to a point well above the gorge onto Dudley Knob (excellent views). It then descends via a series of boardwalks and staircases towards the river, keeping still within the bushline.

Once the track emerges from the scrub, a short distance upstream on the true right is the Mingha Biv (2 bunks). From here a cut track continues to follow the true right river bank, passing Kennedy Falls, leading on to another crossing of the Mingha River.

The track travels through low scrub on the true left of Goat Pass Stream, leading onto the long board-walk through boggy sections. After a crossing of Lake Mavis Stream the track finds the wide, flat Goat Pass. The Goat Pass Hut is in a hollow just north of the pass. Total time from Highway 73 to the Hut is about 5 hours in low water conditions.

Note : The Mingha River, Agility Stream and Lake Mavis Stream can be quite dangerous crossings when in flood.

GOAT PASS down the DECEPTION to HIGHWAY 73

A marked track through the scrub descends to the upper Deception River. The route now takes the form of scrambles, rock-hopping down the river-bed, and adjacent bush; very rarely is it on a marked trail. The Upper Deception Hut is reached in approximately one hour, on the true right.

Continue in or beside the riverbed for a further 2½ hours until it opens out to a large flat, on the true left just below Gorge Creek. Past the flat, the river narrows into a gorge. A footbridge spans the river at this point. Maintain the true left side of the river-bed, descending on down the lower gorge for two more hours to the open flat where the Otira River meets the Deception River. Cross the Deception to the true right before the junction. The Morrison Footbridge across the Otira River is just north of the confluence.