Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut, Otago NZ

Roughly 5 hours of level walking through the beautiful Caples Valley takes you to Mid Caples Hut and back on this first (or last) section of the multi-day Greenstone and Caples Track circuit.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return

This section of the multi-day Greenstone and Caples Track circuit makes for an excellent day walk, and one for those who are less keen on climbing. The level track wanders from near the western shore of Lake Wakatipu through the beautiful Caples Valley. There are high mountains in every direction, beech forest, grassy flats, groves of manuka, mountain streams and the Caples River to enjoy along the way. Mid Caples Hut makes for a good lunch spot and turnaround point.

Track Notes

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — On an obvious track the whole way.

We used track notes in Day Walks of New Zealand: Central Otago and Queenstown, but you can also get information on the DOC website. There’s also a nearby loop option, the Lake Rere Walk, and you could do this on the way back to make a long day of it.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut: The Scenery

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Looking east at the start.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Looking west at the start.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Tall beech trees in this section.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — A mossy fence post.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Another mossy fence post.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — A deep and narrow gorge.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — The same gorge.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — The same gorge about 35 minutes later when the sun had changed angle.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — A panorama from Mid Caples Hut.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — The view from near Mid Caples Hut with manuka bushes in the foreground.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Manuka flowers.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Our view at lunch.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Very mossy

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Sophia walking back towards the start.

Caples Track to Mid Caples Hut return — Me squinting in front of a mountain.

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Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker. View all posts by Edward Hathway

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