Top Waitahu Biv
(Top Waitahu Biv: Photo
Glenn Johnston: Double click to get larger image)
Maintenance Status
Top Waitahu Biv is designated as minimal maintenance.
There are no marked routes to it.
Location
Waitahu River catchment. Map Lewis Pass BT22. Grid Ref: NZTM E1526378/ N5327146.
Altitude 1260 metres. The location of Waitahu Biv is not correct on the topo 50 maps. It is positioned slighly
further down the creek below the bush-line. DOC have warned of a low-risk of avalanche at Top Watahu after
heavy snowfalls, however the Biv's been there since 1968 without incurring any avalanche damage.
Access
Most people fly into Top Waitahu, usually to hunt Chamois,
but fit parties can make it here
in a day from the roadend. The most direct route is via Lake Stream.
This well marked and maintained route begins several kilometres on the western side of Rahu
Saddle, off SH7. The track is sign posted but can be missed when driving past and
parking is available several hundred metres up the road next to a passing bay.
The route is in good condition and it should take around three hours to reach Lake Stream Biv.
From the Biv follow the stream up to the head of the valley and climb onto the ridge
East of point 1568m. A traverse of Ivess Peak would probably require some technical
climbing skills and gear, so a relatively simple route into the headwaters of Shaw Stream
is generally used. From point 1568m follow the ridge north and drop off a NW-heading spur
to the outlet of the large tarn on the 1300m contour, around 1527596E/ 5325389N.
From the tarn outlet find a comfortable route down to the bushline above Shaw Stream, then
sidling upvalley under some large bluffs, through sub-alpine scrub and speargrass.
Aim towards the rocky headwaters of Shaw Stream between the 1200 and 1300m contours and
follow the creek to the saddle between points 1730m and 1620m.
With good visibility the Biv can be seen from here. Pick your way through speargrass and
sub-alpine scrub to reach it.
Type
Top Waitahu Biv is a two bunker built in 1968.
It is unique in having a small enclosed wood burner that provides ample
and efficient cooking and heating. Water is from a stream closeby.
There is no toilet.
Condition
Top Waitahu Biv is in excellent condition.
It received an upgrade in 2004 with a fresh paintjob and new mattresses.
Routes
There is a route up the Waitahu River to Top Waitahu Biv that would allow a fit party
to get the Biv from Montgomerie Hut in a day.
From Montgomerie Hut use the Waitahu’s river flats as efficiently as possible.
The TR terrace can be used to cut the corner before the confluence with Shaw Stream.
Continue to zig-zag between respective river terraces, using the TL to sidle around a
slightly steeper section of the Waitahu above point 557m. The river widens significantly
before the sharp turn off up to the Waitahu’s headwaters. The creek is initially steep
but widens out on the TR, and travel is comfortable. Some large clearings
visible on the topo map provide good camping below the bushline. The valley continues
to narrow, but travel remains straightforward. It is probably best to follow the TL creek
which leads directly up to the Biv. A tempting looking spur that provides access to the
bushline requires a bash/ sidle westward through the alpine scrub to reach the Biv.
Repairs
None evident.
Provisions on Site
There is a range of pots and pans,
a large ammunition drum for food storage and seating, a steel ash bucket, a saw, and an axe.
