Waiau Pass Track follows the true right of the Waiau River from Anne Hut on the St James Walkway, to Caroline Bivvy. After Caroline Bivvy the track becomes a route to Waiau Pass and is suitable for experienced trampers only.

Those walking to Caroline Bivvy from Maling Pass can use an old 4WD track on the true left of the Waiau River (not shown on map). Cross the rabbit fence at the locked gate then follow the 4WD track for 3 km before crossing the river to join Waiau Pass Track.

For more information refer to Lewis Pass - Waiau Pass – Blue Lakes route.

Note: times given are walking times only.

Map St James Conservation Area

W1. Anne Hut to Henry Track junction -  2 hr 30min / 6.5 km

W2. Henry Track junction to Ada Track junction - 2 hr / 5.5 km

W3. Ada Track junction to Lake Guyon junction - 1 hr 30 min / 3.2 km

Waiau Pass Track to Lake Guyon junction  - river crossing - 20 min / 800 m

W4. Lake Guyon junction to Maling junction - 2 hr / 5 km

Waiau Pass Track to cycle trail - river crossing - 5 min / 200 m

W5. Maling junction to Caroline Bivvy - 3 hr 30 min / 10 km

Link tracks

W7. Henry Track – Waiau Pass Track junction to Saddle Spur Bridge - 1 hr / 3.2 km

W8. Ada Track – Waiau Pass Track junction to Christopher Hut - 1 hr 30 min / 4.8 km

Places to stay

About the area

Your safety is your responsibility

While access into St James is relatively easy, this remains a remote back country area. There is no cell phone coverage. Before your trip ensure you have:

• Checked the latest forecast
• Left your intentions with someone
• A PLB (personal locator beacon) or mountain radio
• Enough warm clothing to spend the night out if you have to.

Avalanches

Avalanches can occur every year when there is snow in the mountains. Most occur during winter storms or in spring/early summer when warmer temperatures or rain make the snow unstable. Even if you can not see snow from the track there may be enough snow out of sight on upper slopes to form an avalanche that could reach the track.

Waiau Pass Track is complex avalanche terrain.