Overland Track Itinery advice

[philm]

Hi I was after some advice on 2 alternatives towards the end of the Overland Track. We are completing the walk in April this year.

Both Options start on day 5 of the walk and are as follows:

Option 1
Day 5 Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut
Day 6 Windy Ridge Hut to Narcissus Hut
Day 7 Ferry to Lake St Claire visitor centre

Option 2
Day 5 Kia Ora Hut to Pine Valley hut - distance is about 18 km is this too far for 1 day - I estimate about 7.5 hours?
Day 6 Pine Valley Hut to Echo Point Hut
Day 7 Echo Point Hut to Lake St Claire visitor centre

Option 3
Day 5 Kia Ora Hut to Pine Valley Hut
Day 6 Pine Valley Hut to Narcissus Hut
Day 7 Ferry to Lake St Claire visitor centre

I'd appreciate soem advice on the best option.

[geoffmallo]

If your party is fit and can move pretty quickly then you could go as below. 18k in a day isn't too far.

5. Kia Ora - Pine Valley
6. Explore Pine Valley (labyrinth etc)
7. Pine Valley - Narcissus and ferry (book the ferry)

Also depends on what time you need to get to Cynthia Bay.

The time in the Labyrinth and surrounds would be better than the walk along the lake IMHO.

[Jarrah]

If you decide not to go the Pine Valley option it will give you some more time to explore the waterfalls between Kia Ora and Bert Nichols (Windy Ridge). Also IMHO Echo Point is a nicer spot to stay then Narcissus if walking the lake side rather than taking the ferry.

[wello]

Kia ora to Bert Nichols is really only a half day, even with a decent time at the waterfalls. Getting through to Pine Valley should be possible and agree with others, the area around pine valley is much better use of your time than the walk round the lake. Climbing the Accropolis is a reasonable day trip, or heading up the other side of the valley for a look round the Labyrinth. Both very good, and a day without the full pack will feel good. Doing the trip in April gives you a chance to see the fagus, and the Labyrinth is a top spot to do this.

Assume you're day leading into Kia Ora starts at New Pelion with a possible Ossa side trip. If so, consider heading on to Du cane hut. It's another 2km or so. Would need to pitch your tent there as the hut is old and probably not that comfortable, but camping here would give you a head start the next day.

If you're planning to use the ferry, make sure you book.

Wello

[Liamy77]

i think that by taking the ferry you miss out on a gorgeous easy walk around the lake through beaut mossy forrest..... shame to miss it unless you have done that before.....

[petericho]

I agree with Tagunnah, there are some beautiful beaches around the lake and it's easy walking and Echo Point is a beautiful spot..