Brow Peak Mini MissionIntermediate - Experienced

Description

Starting from Arrowtown you actually have a choice of clockwise or anticlockwise around the Sawpit Gully track - anti is steep but shorter, clockwise is still reasonably steep but some undulating track too, a bit longer, more varied views if you're not local. You are heading to the turnoff for Big Hill (is signposted off the Sawpit Gully trail).
From here follow the obvious trail and head up a steepish short (15m) climb - from here the Big Hill (obvious trail) heads right, you want to head left along a less distinct track. This quickly points up and you follow the goat track roughly heading towards an obvious big rock. Take plenty of chances to catch your breath and catch the view behind you! This is a technicalish and steep climb of around 4km and 800m elevation. You are heading towards an obvious ridgeline - once there the view north opens up to amazing backcountry.
From here you are following the undulating ridgeline west for around 6km, there isn't much of a distinct trail to follow but there is the odd cairn and warratah. Be careful around some of the small bluffs, if unsure take the north side as it is generally less exposed than the south. This is a time consuming part of the run as navigating the tussocks can take a while, and there are some serious climbs left especially as you near Coronet Peak ski area.
Once Coronet Peak ski area becomes visible (from the top of the last climb), you will see the ski boundary fence below you and a clear trail (Corrotown MTB trail/Slip Saddle) - you should be able to follow a ridgeline around to it.
Once there, the trail is clearly visible as it is a well used bike trail - please give way to any bikes heading down there as it is STEEP and many riders would not be able to stop or give way to you through no fault of their own. It is very slippy if wet or frosts have been evident - you will not stay upright on the first 100m or so - be warned! It is however not exposed so the worst you get is a muddy bum :)
This trail ends at a viewpoint looking out to the East, with the well trodden Bush Creek trail heading back to Arrowtown to the West, There are numerous small creek crossings here but is is mostly downhill and an easy 6km back to Arrowtown through some amazing valley terrain.

Route can be done in reverse, and Slip Saddle/Corrotown is probably easier done up rather than down!

Not advised in strong wind, low visibility or snow due to exposure on the ridgeline.

Features of interest

The view of the Wakatipu!

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 75%

Technical Single Track: 10%

Moderate Single Track: 15%

Route Data