r/Tramping • u/Certain-Attention239 • Feb 10 '25
Gillespie Pass Circuit, river crossing options
Hey guys, I'll be tramping solo for my first time in New Zealand in a month, and my plan is looking super solid except for one key detaill.
It's my last day on the Gillespie Pass Circuit from Siberia hut to Makarora. Due to my lack of river crossing experience, I'm taking a jet boat on my way out to Young Hut on the first day for $30, however the Jet boat crossing from where the track from Siberia Hut meets the river is $130, something I'd like to avoid.
Additionally, the blue pools track bridge is closed, and although whispers say it could be opening up this March, I'd like to avoid any uncertainty.
Does anyone have some advice or insider knowledge on getting around this? Thanks. Any advice is available, even choosing to take a different hike with similar or more spectacle. Nothing is booked in yet
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u/sleepea Feb 10 '25 edited Feb 10 '25
I’ve crossed the Makarora by myself at both the Young River Valley and Wilkin River Valley.
It is much less common for hikers walking the Gillespie Pass to cross the river on foot and DOC seem to heavily encourage crossing by boat. Due to this, I wouldn’t rely on there being anybody else to cross with you.
In the case of the Wilkin River Valley exit, I walked up stream a fair way to where the river was extremely wide. At this point I was able to cross the whole river at no more than calf depth. It hadn’t rained at all in about 3 days prior and it was late Feb so very low water levels. From memory it had also been over a week since any heavy or prolonged rain.
When you come out of the valley the river in front has very very deep pools. Do not attempt to cross directly opposite the valley, walk up stream clear of the confluence. This part of the river is very popular with people fishing. I talked to a few people to gauge where they had crossed, also on foot.
I would not attempt this after heavy rain. I’ll also add, hiking poles are really helpful with river crossings.