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Deepest Darkest George, Southland

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Deepest Darkest GeorgeVery Experienced

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Info Info
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Trail Information

17.90km

1300m

1200m

 

Southland

Te Anau

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Mountainous

Native bush
Coastal
Riverside
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops

Very Experienced

Not Suitable (Slow)
10:00 (Moderate)
7:00 (Fast)

-10.9%

+12.8%

George Sound Track is subject to your usual Fiordland floods, storms, snow, earthquakes and general Mother Nature Malarky. Talk to DOC in Te Anau before embarking on your mission here.

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Description

This is one serious mission! Getting there is almost the hardest bit. Once you have sorted that out you are in for a blast in here, but you better take your most expansive fast packing kit you can. Include a tent and sleeping bag just in case, and maybe even a mountain radio with your PLB. The first choice you made would have been whether you fly into George Sound and head east, or if you are doing an out and back via boat options up Lake Te Anau, and Lake Hankinson. Operators can help you with this. See the DOC info.

The route described is from George Sound back to Lake Hankinson. Its a doozy, a mini Dusky Track if you like. If walking it's 10 hours one day and 4 the next, so running this in a day is a challenge for the most experienced trail gurus out there. And unless you move fast enough, take sandfly repellent! DOC provide a detailed description and brochure but basically you are on rough trail the whole way. Expect frequent river crossings, mud, 3 wire bridges, tree roots, and mountainous, steep rough terrain.

From George Sound follow the route up to Lake Katherine, probably take you about an hour. You'll soon get a feel for what proper Fiordland trails are all about. The route goes round Lake Katherine - at one point you usually need to wade a bit. Use the chains provided where needed. From the lake it's more beech forest bashing until eventually you reach a steep climb up to Henry Saddle (named after famed early conservationist Richard Henry).

Henry Saddle provides the only part of this route above the bushline, and affords wonderful views. Take the time to linger and explore a bit, the tarns a bit up the south side are well worth going up to for some great photo opportunities. The tops beckon beyond, but don't be tempted unless you are planning to tent out!

Once over the saddle you'll go back into the bush. Look out for the historic mining operation. You will strike particularly boggy terrain round Deadwood Lagoon. Eventually you'll reach Lake Thompson Hut. There is a good route to the tops from the hut if you are staying overnight and have extra time - incredible views too! Out from Lake Thompson Hut the trail undulates from here around the shoreline of Lake Thompson and then down valley until you reach Lake Hankinson Hut. Here you will have to have arranged boat transport to get home - see the links for information to explore those options.


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Features of interest

George Sound Hut, Henry Saddle, Lake Thompson Hut Lakes, waterfalls and Fiordland majesty.


Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 100%


Route Data

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Wild Explorers

I did it!
  • Access

    This is a very tricky start point to get to. Probably the hardest part of the logistics here. Either fly in with a local Te Anau service, or take the out and back option via a boat service across Lake Te Anau and Lake Hankinson. Refer to the web links provided for details.

    There is none - you need to organise either flights and/or boats to get in and out.

    0 km

    0 minutes

    No

    No

  • Staying Safe

    Hard.

    Take a map, GPS, compass, and know how to use them

    Non-existent.

    Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.

    Lots of pristine Fiordland water to graze on

    Don't go when its flooding. Don't go when its snowing. Winter would be a bad idea. All the usual Fiordland risks exist in here, take enough gear to hunker down in case the conditions require it.

    Know Fiordland. Know your limits. Take the right gear and right experience level with you in here

  • Post run indulgence

    All the Te Anau eateries and watering holes deserve your support

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