Overnight at the Barker Hut

Begin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely. After walking through the Waimakariri River to the Carrington Hut and on up the White River Valley you’ll reach this tiny red hut that stands out in its precarious position as a sentinel above the White River. The route is marked and poled until you reach Carrington Hut (approximately 5 hours in). From here, cross the White River to the true left (either using the cable car or walking across) and follow intermittent cairns and a light track up the true left of the river. As you climb up the valley along the river bank you'll be treated to views of massive peaks and glaciers plus the rocky outcrop the holds the Barker Hut at the very head of the valley.

Continue up the valley on the true left and follow the route when it is visible. At times a path takes you through tussock slopes to avoid bluffed sections of the river bank. At the head of the valley the rock becomes steeper and waterfalls appear. The faint track leads up onto the hillside to the right to avoid these waterfalls and gorges. There is one creek crossing after this section that can be difficult in flood. ONLY attempt this route in low water conditions. There is no longer a bridge present although some old cairns may still lead the way to its old site. Therefore, cross where it appears easiest to do so - after descending a short chimney scree slope. From here, a cairned path leads up the rocky knoll that holds the hut.

Spend the night in this 10 bunk hut that is the highest in the park for the ultimate alpine experience complete with sheer peaks, incredible views over the river valley, and the company of the world’s only alpine parrot – the kea. Scramble to the summit of the unnamed peak directly behind the hut for one of the best sunset viewing spots in the Southern Alps.