Cascade Saddle Route: Alpine Tramping (Hiking) Series | New Zealand

The Cascade Saddle Route is a 17km alpine crossing that connects West Matukituki Valley with the Dart Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park. It is a very challenging and technical climb and numerous deaths have occurred here, so you will need advanced tramping experience to navigate the pass safely. In this video we will take you through the pass and identify key hazards and conditions to prepare for, so you can make it home safely.

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Developed in partnership with:

Department of Conservation | MetService New Zealand | New Zealand Police | New Zealand Alpine Club | NZOIA Excellence in Outdoor Leadership | New Zealand Mountain Guides Association | LandSAR New Zealand

[janspil]

Hiked this one in february 1986. Beautifull weather, no snow at the top of the pass. Took me 7 1/2 hours from Mount Aspiring-hut to the Dart-hut. Great tramping, wish I could still do this. Nice vid, thanks for uploading. Brings back great memories !!

[thehippriest]

The Lonely Planet in 2001 called this moderately difficult and had a picture if a ‘breezy descent down Cascade Saddle’! I was persuaded to attempt this in 2002 but after getting to Mt Aspirin hut, it was a no from me. I wish I was capable but I would have fallen within an hour!

Anyway I have always thought the view from Cascade Saddle would be amazing and this video confirms it!

[barbaracameron-smith]

What a blast from the past, having walked this route in the mid 1970s with little to go on beyond hand drawn maps and route guides. Our party of three aussies met one other couple on our walk into Aspiring Hut from the south (Glenorchy) and climb up to the Bonar Glacier and Colin Todd Hut.

[zhuangsenlim]

That sounds dangerous, and amazing at the same time.

[GypsyGirl]

Excellent video on this tramp, and stunning videography!
I really enjoy your videos Mountain Safety Council, and I derive a great deal of understanding and education from them.

Keep up the great work. 😊

[duncanwallace]

I'm terrified now, but it looks beautiful.

[ellee]

5:32 was my favorite part. It was breath taking moment with sound from Kea. I think there are lots of nest on cliffs.

[thrasherVojti]

Sweet kiwi accent! I used this track to ascent Mt.Tyndall and Plunket Dome+Mt.Liverpool. Also my tent and some food inside was fatally damaged by keas when leaving it near Cascade Saddle and going for Mt.Liverpool.

[jeanettesparks]

Is Ruth doing this?? Oh sweet youth! Mike would love it.

[niallcconnolly]

I did this in 2015 with someone I met at Aspiring Hut. It's good to have company to spot you on the way up and with route finding on the way down the Dart through the moraine. I can recommend going down the Rees Valley after that (and I had no choice at the time). Very informative and accurate video. Didn't get to see Mt Aspiring but climbed it a year later!

[AlpineFex]

So nice! GREAT VIDEO.
I MADE THIS ROUTE 2014.

[ALLROY]

It's like watching a movie trailer that gives away too much plot. Watching this I feel I have been there and done it, without the blisters.

[sameer]

Looks amazing. Wish I could have dune this when I was in NZW.

[bonthomson]

This route was called "The Cullers Route" after Govt Deer Culler Ian Hagen pioneered it in 1956.

[happyfeet]

thats my pocket list and waiau pass lewis pass next year 2020 :)

[hanifsabililah]

my target in 2020, hopefully can make it!!!

[adrury]

How much more of a workout is this than mueller hut? I went up and down mueller hut in 1 day and it was pretty darn rough. My legs have never been so sore haha

[Hawlinoo]

Are you sure about the name of the campsite?? Cascade creek campsite? Is it DOC?? Can’t find any info about it. Thanks.

[videoworks]

You are not selling a motor mower its a mountain walk