Routes
Huts / campsites
Roadends
Summits
Passes / crossings
Scenic features
Junctions
DOC Land
Altitude: 847m to 1868m. Gain: 1022m. Loss: 950m . Gradient: 11 deg (Steep)
Skills: Occasional scrambles (3/7) - Occasional rivers (3/6)
Follow the Raikaia valley floor upriver to the confluence with the Reischek. A flood route exists over the bluff to the east of the confluence if required – but was not needed in low-moderate flows when I visited. Follow the gravel /rock riverbed up the Reischek. Take the true-left branch at the first main forks after about 1km, and the true right at the next fork 1km further upstream. The valley becomes steep by the second fork, and gorges out – some sidling on loose fine scree and tussock is required. After the second fork, follow the steeply climbing valley to the basin between Butler Saddle and Chambok Col – the true right provides the easiest travel. Avoid the ridge direct to Butler Saddle, which is thick and scrubby. Instead, head up the side of the scree fan to the east of the ridge, leading from the aforementioned basin to Butler Saddle. This is good, solid going except for the last 200m to the pass where scree becomes loose and going tougher.
The descent of Butler Steam is straight forward: surfable scree all the way down to the valley floor, and good gravel creekbed beyond. One gorge exists just before the confluence with the Lawrence, easily sidled on the true left.
Lawrence Biv sits on grassy flats 1.5km down the Lawrence from Butler Stream – an unmarked but clear track leads there from the start of the grassy flats. Lawrence Biv is a tidy bivvy sleeping 2 on the floor. Water is 50m east, but hard to find in a hidden channel beneath the tussock. You’ll hear it before you see it. No toilet or fire.