NZ South Island Hikes in September.

[Benny_Boy83]

Hey Folks.
I've got a cousin getting married in New Zealand South Island in September so I'm thinking about taking an extended holiday while I'm there. Ive got quite a bit of hiking experience under my belt in various terrain, both on and off track and a good fitness level. That said I've never hiked in snow, and thought it would be a great chance to see some snow while in NZ. There are a whole bunch of short tracks im planning to do as well as longer hikes such as Kepler track - just an overnight to Luxmore hut and back, Alex Knob Track, Hooker track, Tasman Lake hike, and an overnight stay at Meuller hut and Ball Hut.
Im aware bookings aren't taken for hut in September.
Im wondering if crampons or any other specialist gear is recommended for any of these hike in September, and if these hike should be attempted in September? Weather, ice, snow etc.
cheers

Last edited by Benny_Boy83 on Fri 13 Mar, 2020 4:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Aardvark]

How long is the extended part of your visit to NZ? There is a fair spread in distance between these hikes.
Will you be in Christchurch, Canterbury or more the Queenstown, Otago area? Perhaps you intend to travel between the two and drop into Mt.Cook area on the way. There are perhaps more practical, even better options to hike and visit the snow. One you have chosen is just tourist stroll really. Another is a distance on gravel rd. Another is badly damaged and probably inaccessible.
It may be practical to concentrate more in the one area, depending on the length of your visit.
Do you intend to hire a car or depend on public transport?

[Benny_Boy83]

IM spending just over three weeks there and am planning to hire a sleeper van.

[Aardvark]

In all likelihood DOC and others will recommend you take ice tools on the route to Mueller hut. It is a steep track in places and in September there will likely be some ice on the track. It is a popular destination as many backpackers get to Mt.Cook village to find there are few tracks suitable for walkers. That location is largely catering for climbers. As a result of Mueller hut being so popular, it is often filled quickly.
Ordinarily I would have suggested Ball Pass as another option but if doing it over more than one day, you would be better off taking a tent. The hut on Ball ridge is a private one. The shelter at the end of Ball Rd only caters for a few (4 at the most I think) and could also be occupied. However, as mentioned on the Tramper site, the road was washed out badly and it was suggested at one time it might be some time until something is done about it. https://youtu.be/qg0yuqjFGxg.
Frankly, apart from a view of Tasman glacier that route to Ball hut has little going for it. It is not even the best view of the Tasman given the glacial recession.

Are you taking a tent? Your choices suggest you would prefer the use of huts.

[wayno]

Ball pass is inaccessible after storm damage to the approach route..
taking snow and ice tools is useless if you havent trained properly how to use them

[Benny_Boy83]

In all likelihood DOC and others will recommend you take ice tools on the route to Mueller hut. It is a steep track in places and in September there will likely be some ice on the track. It is a popular destination as many backpackers get to Mt.Cook village to find there are few tracks suitable for walkers. That location is largely catering for climbers. As a result of Mueller hut being so popular, it is often filled quickly.
Ordinarily I would have suggested Ball Pass as another option but if doing it over more than one day, you would be better off taking a tent. The hut on Ball ridge is a private one. The shelter at the end of Ball Rd only caters for a few (4 at the most I think) and could also be occupied. However, as mentioned on the Tramper site, the road was washed out badly and it was suggested at one time it might be some time until something is done about it. https://youtu.be/qg0yuqjFGxg.
Frankly, apart from a view of Tasman glacier that route to Ball hut has little going for it. It is not even the best view of the Tasman given the glacial recession.

Are you taking a tent? Your choices suggest you would prefer the use of huts.

Cheers. I don't have a preference as yet for accomodation yet. These are just some tracks that i was interested in, but not sure if climate in September would allow them to be done.

[Benny_Boy83]

Ball pass is inaccessible after storm damage to the approach route..
taking snow and ice tools is useless if you havent trained properly how to use them

Thanks fo rate head up. Im planning to do a guided hike that requires the use of ice tools (maybe fox or tasman glacier) before i try anything solo.