Mt Alfred stands alone in one of the most picturesque spots in New Zealand. The summit provides some of the finest views in the country, with archetypal scenery north into Mt Aspiring National Park, and south over Lake Wakatipu. The Dart River runs from the former into the latter, and adds to the already starkly contrasting colours.
Most of the walk is a steep climb through beech forest, which is nice enough, but the views begin when rising even more steeply through tussock to the summit ridge. After walking north for a while along the ridge you reach the summit proper, where there are views into Mt Aspiring National Park.
The only problem with this walk is that at the time of writing the land owners no longer grant public access above the tree line, which defeats the purpose of this walk rather. (I have subsequently read online that they are only allowing people to climb the mountain on guided walks.)
Track Notes
The track through the forest is straightforward and there are notes on the DOC website, (they now call it the Forest Track). Once above the tree line there isn’t much of a track until you reach the ridge, but essentially you head up and to the left a little. Lots of people get lost going right and I wonder if this is why they withdrew public access. Go left (north) along the ridge to the summit. Return the same way.
Mt Alfred ascent: The Scenery
