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DOC Land
Altitude: 474m to 697m. Gain: 267m. Loss: 45m . Gradient: 1 deg (Gentle)
Skills: - Occasional rivers (3/6)
The river is the most common access route to Broken River hut from SH73, either accessing it from Porters River of Cave Stream. The riverbed of both rivers is a LINZ-owned 'hydro area', but note that there is no 'queen's chain' on Broken River or Porters River banks meaning that where the river passes through private land the river banks are private. Also note that hydro areas do not always have a right of public access (see Walking Access website for details).
From Broken River hut, travel upstream is on the riverbed and banks. The river above the hut is lower than downriver and crossings are easy at normal flows (generally knee deep). One tight gorge is encountered just as the river leaves DOC land about 4km above the hut. This may require a scramble or a swim depending on river levels. A further 4km upriver on broad shingle flats, the landscape changes abruptly to limestone cliffs and outcrops. The forks of Cave Stream and Porter River are obvious on the ground: either can be followed to SH73. Following the Porter River takes you through a brief limestone gorge, back out onto shingle flats, and exits at the Porter River Bridge on SH73 6km west of Porter's Pass. There is a picnic area at the bridge and an Angler's Access sign indicating the access point to the river.
3.5-7 hrs (3.5hrs my time, 7 hrs estimated DOC time)