Trip Report
Report from November 16, 2023
New Zealand’s Southern Alps are radical regardless of season.
With snow retreating to summit line, the ‘green light’ is bright for hiking or climbing in search of New Zealand’s secret spaces—and Freehold Creek is a goodie.
Found in the knife-sharp high country of New Zealand’s Mackenzie District, Freehold is a glacial moraine terrace hidden away at elevation.
The formation begins roughly 1,500 foot above the Ohau Valley floor and is largely shielded from direct line of sight.
In geological terms, Freehold is a happy win-win because the glacial terrace bridges two fantastic mountainous valleys, Ohau and Ahuriri, while opening access to otherwise out-of-view peaks and rock ribs along the way.
At seven-and-a-half miles (one way), the climbing ascent into Freehold is a labor of love.
According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, it is an advanced track following an expert route.
But if prior experience is any indication: the more ‘grunty’ the task, the more worthwhile the reward.
Setting out from the shoreline of Lake Ohau, the first short stage of this approach is through fields of tussock.
That arid, wavy landscape quickly gives way to lush beech forest beside a wide and strongly-flowing gorge stream. Vegetation in the forested portion is wildly varied and totally captivating. Adding the close presence of bird life, we’re tempted to say this was our favorite part of the ascent—but there’s just no getting over the alpine.
Breaking from tree line into Freehold’s rugged, peak-crowned amphitheater is worth the effort of admission, to put it mildly.
The glacial moraine terrace is finally achieved after a short uphill slog from the tree line.
Here, the gorge stream of the forest splits into its separate branches and each branch features a waterfall as they retrace toward the surrounding summits.
All said, this gorgeous topographic playground roosts at just under 5000 feet elevation. And like any good jaunt in the hills, the likelihood of wind increases with altitude so, play it wisely, by packing a layer for all seasons.
And lastly but not least, be sure to keep tabs on remaining daylight as an exit into either Ohau or Ahuriri still requires a hiking descent of several miles.
Freehold Creek, in New Zealand’s Mackenzie District, is not only a great hiking adventure but a scout of this zone reveals intriguing facets for skiing or snowboarding once snow returns to these Southern Alps. ENJOY!
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