The hut is perched on a narrow scrub covered moraine ridge below the Whymper Glacier. Immediately south of the hut the view of the glaciers etc is blocked by a scrub covered knob but a bit of a walk can take you to a good vantage point. We day tripped from Butler Junction hut and it was a 3. The route is well marked. There is a little bit of windthrow at the moment but it's not a problem to get through.
From B J hut follow the track southward and cross the Butler River swingbridge. We both agreed it was the right decision and were soon back in the river heading south to try and meet up with the others.
A lot more river crossing and scrambling across huge rocks we eventually caught Mike and Joey having a breather by the river. Navigating the river was a huge amount of fun, very challenging and choosing the right path was sometimes a gamble, but it was time to slowly start heading back to the hut, we were soaked, tired and almost over climbing these huge obstacles.
After stopping for a light break and a snack were were soon climbing back up the steep mountain side heading towards the dry comfort of our temporary home. We were back by 3. It wasn't long before we were in our dry cloths with the fire going and a hot coffee in our hand, perfect way to end the day.
Our plans for the final day were discussed and pondered for quite a while. We were keen to head down stream and try and get to Butler Junction Hut, then return, but after reading some of the notes in the visitors book, this was a tough walk and would take over 6 hours, one way. The chopper was going to pick us up from our current location on Monday morning, but Mike and Joey were keen to stay so Brent and I decided we would pack our gear and head for the hut, and get picked up there on the Monday morning.
We had steady rain all night and when we awoke, it had eased but still a light drizzle was falling from the sky, enough to don the wet weather gear.
We said goodbye to the others and told them no matter what would happen we would be at Butler Junction Hut in 24 hours, no exceptions as we had no communication with them.
It was 8. As we started making our way down stream, our goal was to make the suspension bridge by lunch time, it was about half way to the hut, about 3 km away, sounded easy. Immediately we knew the day was going to be a long one, but were super excited with what was ahead of us. We went from raging river beds to thick muddy forest, then back to river beds then again to climbing steep muddy, rocky walls, was awesome, and time consuming.
As expected about 3 hours into the days trek and about 3 km we had reached the suspension bridge that was marked on our map and that I had seen flying in on day one.
From afar it looked like something from Indiana Jones and we were itching to cross it. Great spot to rest for 15 minutes and have something to eat. It was wraps, banana and peanut butter, yum. It was nice to stop but also got quite cold so we were keen to get the blood pumping again. We geared up and hit the track again, next stop, Butler Junction Hut. We were across the river, but nothing had changed, we were still battling the river bed at parts then we were deep into the forest navigating our way over huge tree roots and negotiating slippery, muddy sloops.
By 2 pm we were getting close as we had reached the second suspension bridge that crossed the Butler river. From this bridge looking east were some of the best views I had seen. We were looking straight at some peaks that soared into the sky, I knew they were the biggest I had seen, towering over mt above sea level. We were soaked, sore and struggling to move, but on top of the world as we had both agreed that it was probably the best hike we had done, and it would take some beating.
This was the best set up hut we had stayed at. There was a wood stack. Before we settled in for the arvo, we had one last look around, chopped some wood that we knew we were going to use that night to keep warm, took some cool pics, then it was time, dry cloths and coffee, boy it felt good. I think it was about 8. We knew we had to be ready waiting for the chopper to pick us up at 8. I was feeling sad that it was coming to an end. We woke to dewy grass and bright skies, we knew there would be no worries with the chopper picking us up.
Our bags were packed and the hut spotless and right on schedule, 8. Sure enough within minutes it had landed. Holding onto our hats as the wind from the rotors was intense, we could see Mike and Joey on board with Dave helping us into our seats, and in a flash we were of and sadly on our way back to the car. It was good to see the others again. Mike told us on the way back in the chopper through the headphones that Ol Mate Dave, the chopper pilot took them over Lake Barrowman for a quick look before he picked Brent and I up, he said it was amazing.
As soon as we were up, we were down, back at the car and chatting about the last 24 hours. Mike thanked Dave again for the excellent service he provided and his friendly nature.
Dave replied kindly, "its was a pleasure, and my names Nathan". We spent Monday driving back across the island having plenty to chat about. Climbing on major peaks in the south of the catchment is reasonably serious, offering steep and sometimes long routes up to metres height gain. Yet for those who study maps and photos carefully, there is still scope for challenging new routes, such as recent climbs on the North West Buttress of Mt Whataroa and the North Face of Hochstetter Dome.
Beware of mosquitoes here. The marked access crosses private land and Dave and Bernadette Friend can be contacted for permission phone 03 A bridge also crosses the Butler River near its junction with the Whataroa. If an overnight break is required between Butler Junction Hut and Whymper Hut, there is a reasonable campsite on the true left of Rocky Creek, near the track about metres before the bridge over the Whataroa.
Whataroa River to Lake Barrowman Originally named in by Apperley, Sweney and Barrowman as Lake Mannering, this lake can be approached easily up a gravel stream bed from glacial flats in the head of the Whataroa, below the Whymper Glacier.
There is good camping at the lake outlet. Map , Topo. Skip to main content. This place appears in.
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