Cass Saddle - Lagoon Saddle

November 2010

For the first time ever we embarked out on a full family adventure (with a few additional members too!). After a quick car shuffle between the start and ending points David, Jo, Alice, Mackenzie, Owen, Ellen and I set off up the Cass Valley in Arthur’s Pass. Our intended route was the Cass Saddle – Hamilton Hut – Lagoon Saddle circuit.

We were initially surrounded by flowering broom as we followed the Cass riverbed upstream.

Following the Cass River bed

After a few river crossings, including a quick dip in a waterfall the valley narrowed and we picked up the track to Cass Saddle.

Alice, Mackenzie and Ellen braving the waterfall!

The track provided very easy travel and, we soon arrived at Cass Saddle Hut. After a small stop to regroup we then continued up to the pass. Breaking out above bush line we were surrounded by beautiful tussock grasslands and towering snowy peaks.

Above bushline before Cass Saddle

A smooth amble led us to the saddle and down the other side where the track provided slightly more excitement with a few steep drops and rocky corners to negotiate.

Approaching Cass Saddle with the Cass Valley below

Cass Saddle

Once back in the river flats a short stroll led us to the perfect camp spot for our 4 tents, just before Hamilton Hut.

Our campsite in Hamilton Creek

Despite battling with swarms of sandflies we had a pleasant evening in front of the campfire. Everyone was in good spirits and were surprisingly sprightly despite the 8 hours of walking – especially Ellen who had never tramped before!

Campfire to keep the sandflies away!

The next morning we woke to a perfect day and after another battle with the sand-flies had a quick breakfast, packed up our gear and were on our way.

Ready to go on Day 2

First stop was to inspect Hamilton Hut and add it to the hut bagging list. The girls had a bit of fun crossing the 3 wire bridge after the hut – even though the river was low enough to cross, a wire bridge was far more fun! While the others carried on Owen and I took a quick detour to a beautiful forest tarn which also provided great views down to the valley below. A quick decent and we were back in Harper River and powered onwards in order to catch up to the group. Pleasant track travel soon caught us up with them just before West Harper hut. 

Heading up Harper River

After an extended lunch break to enjoy the beautiful warm weather and stunning scenery surrounding us we continued towards Lagoon Saddle. As we got further up the valley the track became more intermittent and we tested our rock hopping skills.

Rock hopping up Harper River  

Following another dip for the girls (after much deliberation!), we hit bush line again just before Lagoon Saddle Shelter, a cute A-frame structure.

Lagoon Saddle Shelter

Not surprisingly we also jumped across to Lagoon Saddle Hut in order to add another to the list. Jo, Alice, Mackenzie and Ellen continued along the track back to the car while Dad, Owen and I detoured to cross the true lagoon saddle. The saddle itself was a large expansive clearing of tussocks and dotted tarns, with great views out to the rocky peaks of Arthur’s Pass. 

Lagoon Saddle

A quick sidle joint us back to the main track and we soon caught up with the others. By this stage, after 9 hours of walking, everyone was getting very tired and were nursing sore feet. A refuelling stop at bush line was well received and gave us the energy to complete the zigzag decent through beech forest back to the car. 

Ready for the final decent!

One last visit to Bealey hut added 6 huts to our hut bagging list from this trip – which made it all worthwhile for the girls! A wonderful family trip full of many laughs and two long days, an impressive feat for the younger girls!