Dew Lakes and Saddle Hill Route loop

Nelson

Grade: Fit

Event Status: Completed

Hits : 1255

Export Event

Save iCal

Send to Google Calendar

Send to Yahoo Calendar

Send to Outlook Live

Send to Microsoft Outlook

Save iCal

Preserve formatting in description (only supported in some calendar applications)

Close

Sunday 23 February 2025

Cost: $3

Description

Please note that we have modified the route from the original description so that we will now go up from the Maitai Dam carpark to the Dew Lakes, then along the ridge, over Maungatapu and down to the Maungatapu Saddle before taking the route up to the top of point 1168 (the 'First Double'). From there we take the track down the ridge to the west to point BDL3 and forestry roads back past the caretaker's cottage to the carpark. We did the walk yesterday (3 Feb) and it took us just over 6 hours (excluding breaks) at a brisk pace. There are steep climbs up to the Dew Lakes, up Maungatapu and up to point 1168, and the descents from the last 2 are steep, rooty and slippery, as is the bottom part of the ridge after BDL3. The total ascent was about 1300m and we need to keep up a good pace to get back. Consequently, we have changed the trip grading from 'medium' to 'fit'. However, there are options for those who don't want to do the whole walk to go to Dew Lakes and return the same way, or to walk to the Maungatapu Saddle and return down the Maungatapu Track to the dam.

Meet at Maitai Dam carpark before the gate (so we don't have to worry about being locked in) at 08:00.

Original description: From Maitai dam caretaker's cottage carpark along Maungatapu Track to saddle then north along Saddle Hill route to point 1168. From there follow track west down to forestry road and back to carpark.

Registration