The Landsborough River flows for 60 km parallel to the Main Divide. It is a formidable barrier to parties seeking to access the Hooker Range from the east.
Strutt Bluff to valley head
An old 4WD road leads from the highway at Pleasant Flat to Strutt Bluff. Follow the true left bank from there to Creswicke Flat. Strutt Bluff and Harper Bluff have marked tracks over them, but can be avoided in low flows by crossing the river. Either side of the river can be followed to Fiasco Creek (the true left avoids a crossing of Zora Creek). Between Creswicke Flat and Ford Flat, the river can be forded where it braids, but this is not trivial and often is not possible at all. At Fiasco Creek, cross to the true right and follow tussock benches. Another crossing is necessary under Karangarua Saddle and then it is good travel to the McKerrow Glacier.
Times:
SH6 to Strutt Bluff: 3 hrs;
Strutt Bluff to Creswicke Flat: 8–10 hrs;
Creswicke Flat to Zora Creek: 9 hrs;
Zora Creek to McKerrow Glacier: 12 hrs