Climbing Black Peak (1989m) is more grunt than gnarl, meaning it’s not too technical, but reasonably hard work in places. The views from summit are good, however similar views can be obtained from nearby Mt McIntosh for less effort, so you have options. In fact views along the way of Lake Wakatipu and Temple Peak are probably the highlight, rather than views from the summit.
Track notes are at the end of this post. I had already climbed nearby Mt McIntosh a couple of years earlier, and so Black Peak was unfinished business, and I was happy to tick it off. Another option in the Whakaari Conservation Area is to climb Mt Alaska, which is my favourite of these three peaks.
Black Peak via Mt McIntosh Loop Track: The Scenery
Have a look at my post for Mt McIntosh for other shots from the area.
Track Notes
The walk starts at the car park on the south side of the Buckler Burn. You have to walk along the road over the burn, then look for an orange marker in the bush to your right – the signage for the track is just up on the embankment. From there follow the marked track along the fence line. You’ll eventually begin the climb to point 1203m, which is perhaps the steepest marked track I’ve ever walked on! From there the route is mostly obvious along a ridge and onto vehicle tracks. But as you head past Mt McIntosh towards Black Peak the tracks become indistinct and you’ll easily loose them, then find them again. Here are a couple of pictures to help you not get lost at the very beginning of this section…
You leave the main track (to McIntosh Hut) shortly after this drum.
The main track (going to McIntosh Hut) continues to the right; the route to Mt McIntosh and Black Peak is on the indistinct track to the left. I actually missed this turn off despite having noted in when climbing Mt McIntosh two years earlier. If you do the same you just have to descend a bit to rejoin it. Final Climb to Black Peak
As you begin the final climb to Black Peak you’ll leave the bulldozer tracks behind. At the top the true summit looks hard to get to, but is actually an easy scramble around the back (south) of some rocks. Climbing Black Peak and returning the same way will take very roughly 8-10 hours. (I forget exactly how long I took).
I walked on for a few hundred metres to visit point 1987m for extra views. That bit took an extra hour. I had the time but if you don’t then don’t worry about doing this bit. It doesn’t add all that much to the experience.
Extra Info and Other Options
On the way back you could return by crossing Buckler Burn, but that is quite a bit longer according to the signage and I’ve never done it. More information on the loop track on the DOC website. There are huts in the area but they recommend you don’t drink the water due to past mining activity.
