Mathias Pass

Mathias Pass is easily approached from the upper Hokitika River, and tarns and campsites make it a possible base for climbing. To the east, descend Canyon Creek to the 1100-metre contour. Remains of the old 1880s pack track may be seen winding down the canyon ahead, but it is unuseable where it is washed out in bluffs. Instead, a high level route follows up a gully to the 1500-metre contour where a grassy bench cut by small bluffs leads towards the north-east ridge of Monarch Hill. Descend this ridge to about the 1000-metre contour and then pick up the last of the old pack track as it zigzags down through scrub to the North Mathias River near the forks. In low water, the bed of Canyon Creek down through the gorge can also be used but increased flow quickly makes many of the fords dangerous.