Alternate camping spots along the overland

[Captain Cool]

Hi,

I understand this isn't a topic to be publically discussed so I was wondering if there is anyone out there willing to PM me a few nice spots to camp along the overland that's away from the huts? I am going the first week in May and am just trying to keep a few options open to do plenty of side trips and in case it's busy etc...I am a strong believer in the minimal impact ethos, in case that's of concern to anyone thinking of sharing a few of their secret spots

Plan so far is to go via twisted lakes to SK hut for the first night, then back track to Cradle summit day 2, then on to Barn bluff in the afternoon. Rather than heading back to WV hut for the second night, I was hoping to find a nice spot out towards barn bluff. Any suggestions/tips/advice?

Any other spots along the way that might be worthwhile checking out? Maybe between Windemere and Pelion so we can press on past Windemere hut and shorten the next days walk to Pelion?

Which are the nicer huts to camp at and which ones are worth avoiding if it's a bit busy/crowded?

Thanks

[Erica]

I know you said PM, but I'm going to go public with this message! There are some nice spots up on Pine Forest Moor, especially on the other side of the hill after the Forth Valley Lookout, on the right side of the track just before you get to the first creek, I think TasEx used to camp there once upon a time. That would shorten the Windermere-Pelion day, and might mean you get to Pelion in time for mountain climbing or something!

Hut wise, I really like Pelion, and Kia Ora is also quite nice.... as are WFV and Windermere. Bert Nichols is pretty horrible in my opinion and worth skipping, theres some nice camping by the river at Narcissus.

Hope it goes well!

Erica

[frenchy_84]

Bert Nichols is pretty horrible in my opinion and worth skipping, theres some nice camping by the river at Narcissus.

Seconded, its in a weird location to, its a lunch spot walking in either direction. I would recommend going from Kia Ora to Pine valley in a day, you will still have time for the waterfalls on the mersey, Pine valley is much nicer and you will have more time for either the labyrinth or the Acropolis

[Captain Cool]

Thanks for the info guys. What am I looking at distance/time wise from Kia Ora to Pine Valley?

[johnw]

Thanks for the info guys. What am I looking at distance/time wise from Kia Ora to Pine Valley?

I've overnighted at Kia-Ora then Pine Valley the next night. I can't remember the exact distance but think its about 18 or 19 km. From memory it took around 6-7 hours, maybe a bit longer but we stopped at Du Cane Hut, went to Hartnett Falls, then stopped for lunch at Windy Ridge Hut (the old one), plus photo stops etc. It's not difficult walking. In good weather if you planned it as a leisurely day with a reasonably early start, and did the waterfalls, it would probably be a reasonable option for many people. I think I did estimate distance/time from the Chapman OT book at the time and decided it was doable for us.

[weetbix456]

Lake Will is a beautiful spot on a nice night and a great alternative to waterfall valley. Great views across to barn bluff from a different perspective.