Reaching the Main Divide of New Zealand is an achievement on its own. With your guide's experience and some fitness, you can reach this legendary goal of old-time pioneering adventurers, geologists, and land surveyors.
Brodrick Pass sits on the "Backbone of the South Island" at the junction of the remote Landsborough and North Huxley Valleys in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. The hike to Brodrick Pass follows in the footsteps of our early explorers through some of the Southern Alps’ most remote terrain.
The Huxley valley is classic Kiwi tramping territory. You can look forward to river crossings, wire bridges, and temperate rain forest. Scattered through the mountain ranges are huts, built by the NZ Forestry Service in the mid-20th century. Now managed by DOC, they make cosy retreats for the journey.
From Brodrick Pass, small parties of 1-2 people, can go on to tackle Mount Mackenzie (2,156 m). This is a worthy 500 metre ascent on rock and snow to a spectacular summit.
After the 4WD road journey to Monument Hut, you’ll be walking north in the river valley of the Hopkins Valley, skirting the edges of the ancient beech forest. You’ll cross a wire bridge into Huxley Valley and head west, deep into the "bush".
Views across the Hopkins Valley to Dasler Pinnacles (2,312 metres), Mount Glenmary (2,590 metres) and the other peaks of the Naumann Range are spectacular.
At Huxley Forks Hut we cross the next wire bridge, to hike along the North Huxley River to Brodrick hut. Brodrick sits at the edge of the bush with amazing views across the valley towards Brodrick Pass, Mount Strauchon, and Mount Mackenzie.
Brodrick Hut to Brodrick Pass
Out of the beech forest, you are now into tussock and sub-alpine vegetation. The route to the pass zigzags up over a climb of 600 vertical metres. Here you reach the Main Divide, the watershed of the Southern Alps.
You'll be rewarded by incredible views into the wilderness of the Landsborough Valley, and the remote forested mountains of Tai Poutini/Westland National Park.
Bonus - Mount Mackenzie ascent
Capable parties of 2 may push on to summit Mount Mackenzie (2,156 m). From the pass, you still have a 500 metre vertical ascent to the summit!
Expect long snow slopes and rock bands, with a short arète section to the peak. The views of the area, and of Aoraki Mount Cook to the north, are well worth the long ascent.
The Priority: Backpack Fitness
This is an adventurous hike through rugged terrain, with stream and river crossings and ascents of hundreds of metres with a backpack.
This kind of tramping experience is perfect for people who have been on some of NZ’s Great Walks and want to do something slightly more challenging.
Mount Mackenzie Option:
Mount Mackenzie is a relatively straightforward ascent, but not without its challenges. Previous ice axe and crampon experience is recommended, but fitness and good footwork are the main requirements.
