Description

The Arahura and Styx valleys are popular areas for tramping and hunting. The main access in both valleys is via benched formations constructed during the early gold mining days. Walking and tramping 2 - 4 days. The low Styx Saddle connects the two valleys allowing round trips during the summer and autumn. Browning Pass/Noti Raureka at the head of the Arahura River gives access across the Main Divide to the Wilberforce River. It is also on the route of the Arthur's Pass: Three Passes Route from the Waimakariri River over the Harman Pass, Whitehorn Pass and Browning Pass/Noti Raureka to the Arahura headwaters. It is suitable for well equipped people with previous backcountry experience. The best seasons for walking this track are summer and autumn. There are four huts to stay in along the way hut tickets are required. Access to the Styx Valley is off the Kokatahi/Lake Kaniere circuit road approximately 1 km on the Lake Kaniere side of the Mark Wallace Styx River Bridge. The track begins at a car park about 500 m along the Dorothy Falls Road from the last road bridge across the Styx River and initially follows a rough 4WD route. Styx Valley Track is very rough with numerous slips to be negotiated. These slips are moving after each rain event and can be difficult to cross by inexperienced people. The Styx River has cut into a vertical gravel cliff 20 minutes from the Styx car park. To continue up the valley be prepared to cross the river at normal flow below and above this slip. Parties or individuals that are not confident with river crossing should travel through via the Arahura valley. The alternative via the Arahura Track has a major slip south of Snowball Creek. Caution is advised when crossing this slip.