Cass Saddle & Lagoon Saddle 12th – 14th December 2025

Trip Report: Cass Saddle & Lagoon Saddle 12th – 14th December 2025

This is a deservedly popular tramp, easily accessible from SH 73, with options for an easy three-day hike staying at Cass Saddle and West Harper huts, or a two-day trip staying at Hamilton Hut. It takes 12-16 hours in total.

We were fortunate to have six trampers and two cars on this long-awaited club trip. Having two cars meant one car was parked at the Cass car park (now well off the road, through a gate by the DOC sign on SH 73, and around the corner) and the other car was parked up the Cora Lyn road near the Bealey Hut.

For those starting at the Bealey Hut end, Julian noted that you could stay Friday night at the Bealey Hut for an early start to Lagoon Saddle on Saturday.

It is usual to walk from the Cass to Cora Lyn, and four of us decided to take the three day option, rather than two 6-8 hour days. Robbie, Chris, Tizzy and I left Oamaru on Friday 7am, stopped off for hot pies at Sheffield, and were ready to leave Cass by 11.30am. We walked up a fence line, following the Cass River, crossing it several times to where the valley narrows (about 4km). From the river, a marked track lead us through beech forest and we climbed and sidled above a small gorge until we reached the cute Cass Saddle Hut (3 bunks) at 3.30pm. Robbie found a flat clearing above the hut to set up his tent, and Chris located a bubbling spring of clear, pure water just to the right, below the hut. Cass Saddle Hut, built in 1953, is lovingly maintained with an extended, covered-in porch which was great for sitting and sleeping in.

Next morning, leaving the hut at 8am, we were soon out into open tussock (poled route), climbing gently to Cass Saddle (1326m). From here the track descended steeply into Hamilton Creek bush, then on to the tussock flats leading to Hamilton Hut (3.5hrs) We decided to spend the night at the spacious Hamilton Hut (20 bunks), giving ourselves a good rest that afternoon, as we were not sure about the state of West Harper Hut further on. It also meant we would be joined by Julian and Lynette that evening, when they arrived in from Bealey Hut. They enjoyed their trip down the Harper River, stopping for picnics in the shade by the river. Hamilton Hut was busy with Te Araroa walkers, weekend trampers from Christchurch, as well as fishermen and 4WD drivers dropping in from the lower Harper River. Robbie, Julian and Lynette had plenty of tent sites to choose from, with a watchful, knowing kea for company.

Aware we had a big day ahead on Sunday, we were up at 5.30am and away by 6.15, with Julian and Lynette heading up to Cass Saddle, and our group crossing swing bridges on the way up the Harper. We were curious to check out historic West Harper Hut (2 hrs) and found sacking bunks had been covered with tight fitting plastic, so were comfortable enough. The hut is full of character, and I’d recommend it for an overnight stay. Then on up the beautiful Harper River to Lagoon Saddle Shelter for lunch at 12 noon. From here it was a short sidle above Lagoon Saddle, where the view opened dramatically, giving us magnificent views of Arthur’s Pass peaks and the Waimakariri.

Then it was all down-hill, on a rather boggy track around Mt Bruce until we reached a beech/pine forest where we zigzagged down, reaching Bealey Hut by 2.30pm to find Robbie waiting for us. It had been a long 8 hour day for the ladies (Robbie, Julian and Lynette were much quicker!), but Robbie had already swapped cars with Julian, so we could head straight home.

Thanks to a great, fun team; always ready for a challenge and eager to explore new territory.

Jenny Kitchin