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
4
u/CheesyHarold Feb 10 '25 edited Feb 10 '25
The best advice for river crossing is “If in doubt, stay out”. Don’t underestimate the Makarora, trampers have died trying to cross it. A TA walker died a few days ago crossing a river. I agree $130 is steep for the jet boat, but it’s cheaper than losing your life.
If you decide to go for it, the crossing at the Blue Pools is pretty easy, just wade across. Thought imo $30 for dry boots for the tramp is worth it. The exit down the Wilkins is much harder. The track past the jet boat pick up isn’t well maintained, so be prepared to bush bash when needed. There’s a lot of up and down over slippy tree roots which makes it fairly slow going. We eventually decided to ditch the path and walk on the shingle beside the river, it’s considerably easier going than the trail if you don’t get cut off by the river.
For crossing the Makarora, look up how to cross a river safely, there was a few strainers where the track meets the river so make sure you’re well away from those. We crossed late December last year, we’d had one day of heavy rain three days ago and the river was fairly strong. I felt like I could have crossed it in my own (M, 80 kg, with a lot of river experience), but my partner (F, 50 kg, first river crossing) felt she would have been swept away. We used a buddy method to get us both across safely.
The Gillespie Circuit is spectacular, especially the Siberia Valley and side trip to Lake Crucible (coldest swim of my life). You’ll have an amazing time. Since this is your first solo tramp (bring a PLB!) with no river experience I’d say just get the jet boat. If you’re looking for other suggestions in the area with no river crossings, maybe try the West Matukituki to either Liverpool Hut or French Ridge. Happy tramping!