Cascade Saddle Route

Cascade Saddle Route - Matukituki

Kiwi-Wings

Cascade Saddle Lookout

Kiwi-Wings

Cascade Saddle Route

Matukituki

99%

9 Rankers Reviews

8 Face-to-Face

9 Walking

1 Wanaka Township

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Wanaka Township, Wanaka Region

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Camping near Wanaka Township

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Photos

A bit of lunging along the Cascade Saddle Track

Andreas Beeker

A bit of lunging along the Cascade Saddle Track

Andreas Beeker

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Incredible views

Active Steve

Incredible views

Active Steve

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Information

Time: 2 days, Distance: Approx. 60 km

The Cascade Saddle is a challenging alpine route suitable for fit walkers over the warmer summer months.

Details

Feature Value Info

Location

South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township

Categories
  • Walking
  • Free
Feature Value Info

Track Difficulty

  • Hard walk Hard walk

Track Difficulty

Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete?

Hard walk

Hard walk

Track Duration

  • 8+ hours 8+ hours  (incl overnight)

Track Duration

How long does it take to walk this track on average?

8+ hours

8+ hours

(incl overnight)

These walks generally have overnight options. And often the track's end point is different from the start point.

Payment Requirement

  • Free access/participation

Payment Requirement

Is there a cost for this experience or is it free?

Free access/participation

Free access/participation

The experience costs no money to access or take part in.

Track Length

  • 20km and Beyond

Track Length

What is the physical length of this track?

20km and Beyond

Track Accommodation

  • Hut/Cabin Hut/Cabin

Track Accommodation

What type of accommodation is available on this walking track?

Hut/Cabin

Hut/Cabin

At least one building is available on this track to stay in overnight.

DOC Track Category

  • Route Route

DOC Track Category

What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)?

Route

Route

Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking. Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep. Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required. Complete self sufficiency required. Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings. Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required.

Track Managing Organisation

  • DOC Managed DOC Managed

Track Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this walking track?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

Reviews

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Florian Baum's avatar

Florian Baum

Germany

Ranking: 10/10

Awesome glaciers, great views - especially from the Cascade Saddle (one of my favourite places in New Zealand!).

Reviewed about 5 years ago and experienced in February 2016

Regina Baum's avatar

Regina Baum

Germany

Ranking: 10/10

A lot of variation, fantastic views from the saddle, not too crowded.

Reviewed about 5 years ago and experienced in February 2016

Sarah Jane O'Reilly's avatar

Sarah Jane O'Reilly

Ireland

Ranking: 10/10

Beautiful sight at the top.

Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2014

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Alex's avatar

Alex

New Zealand

Ranking: 10/10

Absolutely must do this if you're doing the Dart Rees. The view is incredible and it's not all that challenging to get there. The Pylon is a good bit further but also worth doing if you've got the time

Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in January 2014

Tobias Sowade's avatar

Tobias Sowade

Germany

Ranking: 10/10

Six hour track one way. Very steep (dangerous if wet!!), but worth it. Especially if you go up to see the sunset, camp and see the sunrise on top of Mt Pylon. Perfect track if you are looking for some Edelweiss.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Martin Guillaume's avatar

Martin Guillaume

France

Ranking: 9/10

Beautiful, really steep.

Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in March 2012

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Boi Sagarra's avatar

Boi Sagarra

Spain

Ranking: 9/10

Huge mountains, glaciers, valleys...enormous!!

Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2011

Carmel's avatar

Carmel

Israel

Ranking: 10/10

Not very easy but worth the climb, the view is breathtaking.

Reviewed over 10 years ago

familytravellers's avatar

familytravellers

Ranking: 10/10

Spectacular scenery, so the steep and hard climb (1300m) is well rewarded!

Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2009

DOC Managed

Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍

Nick Morrison's avatar

Nick Morrison

Rankers owner