Sugarloaf Pass to pt. 1290m (winter), Mt Aspiring National Park NZ
The 360 degree views from point 1290m just above Sugarloaf Pass, near the start of the Routeburn Track, are amongst the best we’ve seen in New Zealand. So on our trip to Queenstown in winter 2019 we decided to do this walk again, hoping that the rather modest snowfall in the first weeks of winter would nevertheless add to the already fabulous views, and we weren’t disappointed. Mt Earnslaw/ Pikirakatahi is a highlight, as are the Humboldt Mountains. And the beech forest on the ascent and descent was even prettier than I remembered, with some friendly birds adding to the experience.
You can see more on this walk in the original post. There are other variations including a long circuit via Lake Sylvan, and an extension to Sugarloaf Peak (there’s a circuit possible here too). There was snow and ice on the track when we did it: the ice can be avoided but you might consider gaiters if there’s been substantial snowfall at lower altitudes.
When you leave Sugarloaf Pass it’s a steep climb through tussock to a plateau, then continue on for fabulous views at point 1290m or thereabouts.
Sugarloaf Pass to point 1290m: The Scenery
Very cold and frosty at the start of the walk. This is the car park for the Routeburn Track.
Mossy.
This kea followed us for 5 or 10 minutes, and made for an accommodating subject.
That kea looking a little bit fearsome, but was in fact quite friendly.
A South Island Robin. This shot makes me look like a competent wildlife photographer, but was in fact taken at point blank range with my telephoto lens.
A very frosty section crossing a creek.
A picturesque spot in the beech forest.
Near the tree line here, hence the sun coming in.
Above the tree line from hear on in.
Approaching the saddle.
Arriving at the saddle.
A frosty and snowy looking saddle at the high point of Sugarloaf Pass. From here it is a steep but easy enough climb through tussock to point 1290m.
The Rockburn Valley.
Part of the Humboldt Mountains that line the Routeburn Track, which is down in the valley.
The Humboldt Mountains, and Rockburn Valley far right.
Sophia walks in front of a section of Mt Earnslaw.
Sophia at point 1290m.
Mt Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi and a frozen tarn. Just proving it was cold, if not all that snowy.
A section of the Humboldt Mountains. Possibly Momus (2148m) up there.
Sugarloaf Peak (1329m), and Lake Wakatipu in the distance. I think next time we’ll continue on to that mountain.
Mountains lining the Routeburn Track, which is down in the valley.
Mt Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi (2830m)
Mt Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi (2830m)
I liked this rather chilly looking scene.
Looking towards the Dart River and Lake Wakatipu just visible in the distance.
Upper Peak (2072m)
Upper Peak again, in fading sunlight back at the start of the walk. We finished a lot of walks in twilight and darkness on this trip.
