The Macaulay River provides access to peaks of the Sibbald and Two Thumb Ranges east of the Main Divide. The Sibbald and northern Two Thumb Ranges are glaciated and best reached from the Macaulay Valley itself, while the southern Two Thumb Range is ice free and readily reached from North East Gorge Stream and tributaries.
Huts
Macaulay Hut (Mackenzie Alpine Trust, Tekapo) : This popular hut has 14 bunks, solar lights and a mountain radio. It is used extensively by the wider outdoors community and has relatively straightforward
4WD access. The Mackenzie Alpine Trust relies on donations for the hut’s upkeep and maintenance (paid in the honesty box or at Lake Tekapo Post Office). 4WD time from the northern end of Lilybank Road is 2½ hours.
Public access exists along the true right of the Macaulay River. Travel up the valley by 4WD is possible from the northern end of Lilybank Road. From here find a suitable crossing point and follow the basic 4WD track, which goes as far as Macaulay Hut. If walking upriver, be aware that land on the true left is part of Mt Gerald Station. Contact the runholder (Michael Burtscher, phone 03 680 6512) for permission to cross the land and for route details.
in association with the Canterbury Mountaineering Club