Routes
Huts / campsites
Roadends
Summits
Passes / crossings
Scenic features
Junctions
DOC Land
Altitude: 550m to 845m. Gain: 340m. Loss: 45m . Gradient: 8 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) - Streams (2/6)
Note: The track to Scotts Biv goes up the true left of the Matukituki river from the swing bridge to French Ridge, not up the true right as shown on the map here. The upper West Matukituki bridge just down from the mapped Scotts Biv no longer exists. Scotts Rock Bivouac is incorrectly mapped and is several hundred metres further up the valley.
Edit: Finally relocated my copy of Moirs Guide, which even though was published in 2013 is now out of date regarding this route. The biv I found is indeed Scotts Biv at the 840m countour, now marked by snow poles. There is apparently another large biv south of the incorrectly mapped Scotts Biv judging by the grid coordinates Moirs gives but I didn't notice that one. I spent about 30 minutes scrub bashing around in the vicinity of the mapped Scotts Biv looking for it before giving up and following the snow poles up valley to see where they led... straight to the actual Scotts Biv!
From Pearl Flat cross the bridge over the Liverpool stream and at the turn off to Liverpool hut a paper sign in a clear plastic sleeve (October 2015) points the way to the French Ridge hut bridge. Cross the bridge and after a few metres another paper sign points the way up the hill to the north. Climb uphill following an obviously recently cut track (October 2015) which climbs up through bush above the river. Cross a cluster of small streams through light scrub and then after another short patch of bush reach an old turnoff where a few metres off the track a large rock above the river still holds the foundations of the old upper Matukituki bridge. Back on the new track follow it down to the river. Snow poles lead away from the rivers edge through scrub for several hundred metres past the mapped position of the biv to where a final snow pole stands on top of a large boulder: Scotts Biv. Beyond the biv nothing but scrub seems to stretch to the valley head.
January 2023 update: All information above still accurate; the track is rough in places with plenty of scrub, but well-marked and tough to lose site of. Definitely needs a cut. Once you emerge into the flat there are a couple creeks to cross which may be impassable in wet conditions. There are a few good spots for a campsite, but I would think at the risk of avalanches from mountains around. Brilliant views.