Albert Nisbet

Taipo Track to Julia Hut and hot pools

July 2, 2021
48.0 km
1,414m
1d21h56m
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Julia Hut is a 25-kilometre walk up the Taipo Valley, to the West of Arthur’s Pass.

Day 1

To maximise our hot pool time on day 2, we arrived late on Friday and walked to Dillons Hut in the dark. The first 2.5km is 4WD track which we tackled without too much difficulty in a Prado. We got out and started walking when it got too muddy to proceed in the vehicle, arriving at the hut around 9:30pm.

Nighttime crossing of the river just before Dillons Homestead Hut.
Nighttime crossing of the river just before Dillons Homestead Hut.
Tree outside Dillon Hut
Tree outside Dillon Hut

Day 2

We set off the next day, now able to see the valley views all around us as we proceeded to Mid Taipo Hut and beyond. There is a three-wire bridge incorrectly labelled as a cableway on Topo50. Following the markers when approaching the bridge from downstream will lead you onto the flood track. If possible I’d recommend staying on the riverbank all the way to the bridge.

Lining up a photo spot beside the river. The azure blue colour of the river was striking. The three-wire bridge can be seen in the distance.
Lining up a photo spot beside the river. The azure blue colour of the river was striking. The three-wire bridge can be seen in the distance.
Crossing the river at the bridge between Mid Taipo and Julia Huts
Crossing the river at the bridge between Mid Taipo and Julia Huts

Shortly after arriving at Julia Hut, it was time to find the hot pools. Follow the track beyond the hut down to the stream and then head about 400m futher downstream. We found some shallow pools directly adjacent to the river on the true right. With the assistance of some spades and pots left by past groups, we dug some shallow pools big enough for six of us to sit half-submerged. The combination of dark skies, hot water and cold air made for a surreal stargazing experience.

Stargazing on the balcony at Julia Hut. Grevilles Cone (centre) and Campbell Range (right) can be seen in the background - not to mention the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Stargazing on the balcony at Julia Hut. Grevilles Cone (centre) and Campbell Range (right) can be seen in the background - not to mention the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Reading in the dawn light
Reading in the dawn light

Day 3

The next day we got up early and retraced our steps 23km back to the car.

The group ready to depart Julia Hut on a frosty morning
The group ready to depart Julia Hut on a frosty morning
Waiting for party members to cross one by one
Waiting for party members to cross one by one
Crossing at Micks Creek
Crossing at Micks Creek
The group proceeds down Taipo Valley beyond Mid Taipo Hut
The group proceeds down Taipo Valley beyond Mid Taipo Hut
Crossing the lengthy three-wire bridge between Mid Taipo and Dillon Huts
Crossing the lengthy three-wire bridge between Mid Taipo and Dillon Huts
Some interesting goldmining equipment near Dillons Homestead Hut
Some interesting goldmining equipment near Dillons Homestead Hut
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