Wye Creek Basin, The Remarkables Conservation Area

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Climbing out of Wye Creek with perfect camping tarns far below. Photo: Dennis Radermacher

The upper Wye Creek basin is the perfect destination for a camping trip.

Camping on high alpine terrain usually requires a gruelling approach. The Remarkables access road spares the long walk to this beautiful destination. It’s a short walk to Wye Creek, and an access road to a ski lift arrives at a crossing at a saddle between points 2050 and 2035, allowing for a much easier approach than the Wye Creek Route.

The faint trail is a lot shorter and easier than the actual route, taking two hours to reach the lakes and optional campsites.

A crescent-shaped spur south of the lakes offers an easy trip to Pt2046, and there’s a pleasant little tarn by Pt2020.

Wye Creek basin is arguably the most convenient base camp in New Zealand.

Distance
4.18km
Total Ascent
248m
Grade
Easy / Moderate
Area
The Remarkables Conservation Area
Time
3-4hr return
Access
Take the Remarkables ski field road to the main car park
Map
CC11
Alistair Hall

About the author

Alistair Hall

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