The “Three Passes” trip between the Waimakariri and Kokatahi, West Coast has been a Canterbury staple for almost 100 years. It is just as popular today in the modern era as it was back in the age of exploration.
From the stony riverbeds of the Waimakariri, to the icy Whitehorn Glacier and hanging alpine lake Browning, and into the lush West Coast River valleys, this quintessential traverse involves crossing the Southern Alps three times through a myriad of landscapes, climates and ecosystems.
The terrain is rough and wild, covering a distance of 55km with over 2800m of vertical elevation gain.
Travel either east-west or west-east.
Think about travel logistics as the western trailhead is 18km from Hokitika and hitch-hiking can be difficult. Key swap with another party can be very convenient.
