Maitahi is the correct spelling for this river – https://kahurumanu.co.nz/atlas
The valley provides access to climbs on the Hooker Range between Fettes Pk and Mt Dechen. It has large tributaries, the Edison and Morse Rivers.
Ask permission to cross private land to access the valley – Thomas Condon, 03 751 0864.
Road to Plateau Creek
From the end of Condon Road, cross paddocks and pick up an intermittent bulldozed track that ends just beyond Plateau Creek.
Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs
Plateau Creek to Edison River
Continue on the true right of the river to Bivouac Flat (BY14 309 529). Climb 40m onto bush terraces and continue to flats at BY14 326 525, generally keeping to the edge of the terrace. Cross to the true left at the flats and continue to a large old landslide, beginning at BY14 354 520. Cross back to the true right at the top of the landslide on a good shingle crossing, and continue up to the Edison confluence.
Time: 8 hrs
Edison River to Uaroa Creek
Cross to the true left and climb onto a terrace 60m above the river, just upstream of the Edison. After crossing an open side creek, continue for 15 min before crossing the main river again at the first good ford. Further up valley, climb onto an old forested moraine spur and continue to the first open slip. Gain height up the slip then sidle up valley, keeping well away from the river.
Time: 4 hrs
Morse River
The Morse is best negotiated on the true right, keeping well away from the river to reach small flats at BY14 301 500. Continue up the river before climbing over a shoulder at BY14 313 493. From the 800m contour the river again offers good going to the valley head.
Edison River
The Edison is a large, complex basin comprised of two large streams divided by a long spur. The river has been descended, but best access to the tussock tops is by the narrow spur at BY14 385 503. The long spur beginning at BY14 381 505 may also provide a feasible route to the Dechen-Mathers col.
