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 2 ½ 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.
| Type | Title | Link to edit content |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain | Mt Sibbald (7 routes) | |
| Mountain | Mt Forbes (4 routes) | |
| Mountain | Mt Earle (2 routes) | |
| Mountain | East Sentinel (0 routes) | |
| Mountain | Mt Ross (2 routes) | |
| Valley | North East Gorge Stream (0 routes) | |
| Valley | Two Thumb Stream (0 routes) |
