Top of Rakaia, Lyell hut/Glacier

[scooby88]

HI, Is it possible to drive up to the lake near lyell hut?
I heard of people tramping but can't find info on driving up this far.
My loose plan was to follow the river up as far as possible.

Anything appreciated.

Karl

[Nigel Bannan]

Hi there
I have been up to the Ramsey serve times. I am not too sure if you will be able to get to that hut by 4Wd. Give Doc a friendly call. I am sure they will tell you if it is possible. Nig

[drive it ...]

Careful driving will get an unmodified truck up to Reishek Hut. Cross to Manuka point and travell up the farm track up the flats (with station permision). Cross back and find vehicle track up past Washbourne.
From Reishek a club truck (bit of lift, 33's, prepared to bounce of the odd rock) can head across towards Lauper biv then up to Jims Knob near the Ramsey outlet.
Rock Crawler stuff past there.
Awesome place.
Respect the Raikaia, its a big river even that far up country.

[scooby88]

Excellent advice, Thanks!!
Have emailed DOC for info.
Can see the places you mention re jims knob etc.

Will give it a shot Mid/Late Jan.

Cheers Nig and drive it...

[Bulletproof]

You would be lucky to get to the Ramsey glacier at this time of the year because the snow melt makes the Rakaia too big. You normally cross a little down stream to the hut and the boulders are big. It is normally a winter trip. If you do find a crossing, it pays to dazzle some rocks to find your way back to the same point. It is big country with big rocks so don't go by yourself, otherwise you may be stuck in the middle of the river which is fast flowing, ice cold and swirling between the rocks

Crossing the Rakaia at Manuka Point in the summer needs to be done within 5 hrs of Sun up before the ice melt brings the river up.

Cheers Richard