The Greenstone-Caples Track is The Most Dynamic Hike in New Zealand

Only an hour and a half from Queenstown, the Greenstone-Caples Track offers a four-day escape from the ‘Great Walk’ crowds, with endless flexibility and freedom to suit any hikers’ abilities and ambitions.

Quick Overview of the Greenstone-Caples Track

The Greenstone-Caples Track is a 61km, four-day loop located in The Greenstone and Caples Conservation Areas in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, just outside Kinloch.

Greenstone-Caples Track Facts

Distance: 61km
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Elevation gain: 2,270m
Nearest town: Kinloch

About the Greenstone-Caples Track

As the name implies, the track is a combination of the Greenstone and Caples Tracks, which make their way through the Greenstone Valley and the Caples Valley, joined by the McKellar Saddle. Even after four days, you’ll never want to leave.

For 61 jaw-dropping kilometres, meander through beech forests, conquer sub-alpine mountain passes, and crane your neck at the towering peaks to your left and right from the open valley grasslands.

Lake McKellar looking mystical

The track is quite family-friendly, yet incredibly rewarding – within an hour you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the valleys. It’s not all so easily-earned though; when you’re red-faced and sore in the legs, gazing out from the edge of the McKellar Saddle, there’s no better feeling.

Along the track you’ll encounter beech forests teeming with native flora and fauna (as well as countless deer), waterfalls and streams running down the mountainsides, and expansive panoramas of the valleys and ranges.

Greenstone Waterfall = fairy glen

However, the selling point to me for the Greenstone-Caples is its adaptability – make it as easy or hard as you like. I added an extra 30km to my hike of the Greenstone-Caples, as the track boasts more alternatives and side trips than you can count!

History of the Greenstone-Caples Track

The Greenstone Valley and the Hollyford Valley further north represent the easiest route between Otago and the West Coast.

These routes were discovered by the Waitaha (one of the area’s earliest Māori settlers), and later used by the Kāti Māmoe, Ngai Tahu, and Ngāti Wairangi iwis (peoples) to travel between the two regions in search of the precious pounamu (Greenstone).

Patrick Caples – a prospector – is thought to be the first European to cross to the West Coast from Lake Wakatipu via these valleys. Later, pack tracks and stock routes would be established in the Greenstone and Caples Valleys.

How to Get to Greenstone-Caples Track

The track is traditionally started from Greenstone. Getting there is simple – from Glenorchy, follow signs to Kinloch, and then follow Greenstone Road to the creatively-named Greenstone Road End.

Drivers beware! From Kinloch the final 11km is a backcountry gravel road with multiple fords – if your only option is a rental, it might be best to opt for track transport (Info & Track offers daily services).

Where to Stay Along the Greenstone-Caples Track

The track has three DOC-managed huts (Greenstone Hut, McKellar Hut, and Mid Caples Hut). Near each hut is a campsite if you’re so inclined.

Unlike the Great Walks, no bookings are required.  However, you’ll still have to pay up, so don’t forget your Backcountry Hut Passes (available at any DOC Visitor Centre).

There are also multiple privately owned places to stay – lodges run by ‘Ultimate Hikes’ for exclusive use by patrons of their guided walks and huts managed by the NZ Deerstalkers Association (NZDA). These NZDA huts are for hunters but are also open to bookings by hikers.

The quaint McKellar Hut

Skill Level

Intermediate

The Greenstone-Caples is an intermediate-level track. If you’re comfortable walking 6-7 hours a day with a pack, you’ll be fine. Most of the days aren’t this long and there are endless spots that beg you to take snack breaks. Furthermore, the track remains moderately flat most of the time.

However, being a multi-day hike (especially in a backcountry climate as volatile as New Zealand’s), there are multiple concerns to consider, notably:

• Weather: ‘Four seasons in a day’ – NZ weather can be unpredictable and dangerous
• Lack of reception: Phones will be good for nothing except photography
• Water quality: Supplied water is unfiltered, untreated, and can carry harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• Side stream flooding: In excessive rain, the Caples River and side streams in the Caples Valley can flood, which can pose a risk to hikers
• Avalanche risk: The track crosses multiple avalanche zones

If hiking in the warmer months, previous experience would be ideal but isn’t crucial as long as you’re aware of these risks and well prepared.

In winter, I would only recommend this track to those with extensive backcountry experience and gear.

Read more: 7 Tips For Rainy Day Hiking

Beautiful one day, but perhaps not ~perfect~ the next

Essential Gear for the Greenstone-Caples Track

• PLB
• Warm clothes (all year round)
• Waterproof jacket, pants, and pack cover (NZ essentials in general)
• First aid kit
• A good pair of hiking boots
• Hiking poles
• Map (even if you don’t think you need it, just in case)
• Quality hiking food
• Gas cooker and canister (not provided at huts)
• Sleeping bag

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What It’s Like to Hike the Greenstone-Caples Track

Let’s jump into the specifics. On a day-to-day basis, what will your Greenstone-Caples experience look like?

Day 1 – Greenstone Station Road End to Mid Caples Hut

Distance: 9km
Time: 2-3 hours

From the car park, follow the signed track for 2km. For this section, you’ll be introduced to the magnificent beech forests, following the vibrant blue Greenstone River.

At the junction of the Greenstone and Caples Rivers, you’ll be rewarded with open views up each valley. Signs for Mid Caples Hut will direct you up the Caples Valley – the track will undulate through the forest and you’ll often find yourself in the open valley.

Starting off snowy

Remember, the day’s only 9km long so take your time and don’t forget to tear your eyes away from the peaks to check your footing once in a while.

As you continue up the valley, you’ll eventually cross the Caples River (bridged) to Mid Caples Hut. Kick up your feet on the deck and enjoy the view.

Day 2 – Mid Caples Hut to McKellar Hut

Distance: 22km
Time: 6-7 hours

This day is the gem of the track and also the hardest – you’ll be doing 1000m of ascent.

Leaving from Mid Caples Hut with a beautiful view up the valley, the track follows the Caples River closely, popping in and out of forest.

You’ll pass the NZDA’s Upper Caples Hut and veer westward to begin ascending the McKellar Saddle (remember to look over your shoulder for views of the Caples). This is the steepest part of the track.

View of the Caples Valley

The land plateaus and you’ll get your first glimpses of Mt Christina and endless other behemoths across the horizon.

McKellar Saddle might be one of the best lunch spots I’ve ever been graced with, so take the time to relax a little before beginning your descent into the Greenstone Valley.

McKellar Saddle

Signs and markers will direct you down from the saddle, around Lake McKellar, and south to McKellar Hut.

McKellar Lake

Day 3 – McKellar Hut to Greenstone Hut

Distance: 18km
Time: 4.5 – 6.5 hours

From McKellar Hut, you’ll cross the Greenstone River (bridged) and follow it south.

The Greenstone Valley is more broad and open than the Caples Valley, so you’ll spend a lot more time on the grass flats. The views are wide and enormous – my camera roll is stocked full from this day.

The glorious Greenstone Valley

You‘ll follow the river until the valley turns eastward and you’ll re-enter the forest. Signs will direct you across the Greenstone River (bridged) to Greenstone Hut.

Day 4 – Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Road End

Distance: 12km
Time: 3-5 hours

You’ve made it to the final day and there’s no need to rush – just 12 relaxing kilometres.

You’ll cross back over the Greenstone River and rejoin the main track. Turn right (unless you want to head back to McKellar which I couldn’t blame you for) and follow the track through the forest beside the river.

You really get every kind of terrrain!

Don’t expect the views to be as open as yesterday, but you’ll still have some great moments.

Back at the junction of the Greenstone and Caples Rivers from day one, you’ll retrace your steps the final 2km to the finish line!

Alternatives and Side Trips on the Greenstone-Caples Track

If you want to add some spice to the Greenstone-Caples Track or want to shorten it to meet your schedule, there’s no shortage of options.

The track can also be completed:

• As a thru-hike of the Greenstone Track only
• As a thru-hike of the Caples Track only
• As a loop starting from The Divide side
• By combining with the Routeburn Track
• By combining with the Mavora Walkway (part of the Te Araroa)

The famous Routeburn track

It can also be extended with side trips to the:

• Lake Rere Track (Easy)
• Steele Creek Track (Advanced)
• Whisky Trail (Advanced)
• Kay Creek Track (Advanced)

Read more: Best Hikes in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Views from the Whisky trail

Tips For Hiking The Greenstone-Caples Track

• Be prepared for all weather – pack your thermals even in summer, pack your rain jacket even if four days of sunshine are forecasted
• Carry a PLB – in an emergency, this could be your only means of rescue
• Filter, boil, or purify your water (the last thing you need in the backcountry is Giardia)
• Always research weather and track conditions while planning. The DOC site and the ‘Plan My Walk’ app are invaluable resources, as well as the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory if hiking in winter
• Most importantly, enjoy your hike! Take a friend, take it easy, and don’t forget your scroggin

Greenstone-Caples Track FAQs

When is the best time of year to hike the Greenstone-Caples Track?

New Zealand’s South Island is known for its chilly, snowy winters, so we recommend hiking the Greenstone-Caples Track during the warmer months – November to April. To avoid the school holiday crowds, try February/March time.

Are there guided tours of the Greenstone-Caples Track?

At this point, there are no guided hikes of this particular track, however, some providers like 100% Pure New Zealand offer a Grand Traverse guided walk that combines Greenstone and Routeburn Valley.

Is the Greenstone-Caples Track on private property?

Although the Greenstone-Caples Track passes through Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Lake Whakatipu Greenstone and Caples Conservation Areas, the beautiful grassy river flats in the Greenstone and Caples Valleys are actually private farmland. Make sure to stick to the tracks that run along the forest edge, and be mindful to not disturb any stock.