Gertrude Saddle - Gertrude Saddle

Name: Gertrude Saddle - Gertrude Saddle
Address: Southland 9679, New Zealand, 9679, Zealand

5/5 ★ based on 8 reviews

Contact Gertrude Saddle

Address :	Southland 9679, New Zealand
Postal code :	9679
Categories :	Tourist attraction ,
Description :	Steep hike over rugged terrain past waterfalls & Black Lake to a ridge with Milford Sound views.

Best Tourist attraction in New Zealand

T	Todd Cheng on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great hike and yes it is not easy. It is probably the hardest hike I have ever done and I hiked 500 miles across Oregon. I like the fact it is less marked than US hikes and there was a stream crossing. The cable going up was not needed on a dry day, but calmed the nerves to have near. The few is “awesome” as seen by me and stated by a few others on the way down. I wished I would have brought another jacket as it was unexpectedly cold and windy.
T	Tom Neilson on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Most amazing views of new Zealand's geographically blessed countryside. Interesting plants, rocks, streams and snow on the way up. Quite steep in areas. Would be very challenging in any season that is not summer. I rate this above Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. A must for keen day hikers.
A	Alexandra Smith on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Gorgeous, but very tough hike. Requires scrambling over big boulders, climbing up steep rocks with the help of cables, hiking down in a lot of loose scree. Took 5 1/2 hours RT, including stops for lunch, picture taking and scenery admiring (about 4-4 1/2 hours of "active" tramping at a pretty slow pace compared to many others). But the view at the top is amazing and the uphill hike is totally worth it, with several beautiful waterfalls with small pools before you get to the actual saddle/top so you don't have to get to the absolute top to be rewarded for your efforts. Found the downhill to actually be much harder (it took us about as long to get down as it did to get up). The trail markers are harder to see on the way down (which is tough when you're navigating down the steep boulder/rock face drop off section), and the loose scree/rock section after that make for good ankle twisting/sliding opportunities. Definitely don't do this hike if you don't have shoes with good traction (and additional gear if it's been raining or there is still snow). But all in all, a gorgeous hike that's well worth the effort.
a	amir Hn on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The most fun hike i did, the trail is changing every few km, and the view all along the way are beautiful. Specially loved the lake near the top. Dont go there on a rainy day!!
P	Philipp vD on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A beautiful day hike to get an amazing view. You walk in the valley for around 30 minutes before you start your hike to the Saddle itself. This part can be challenging from time to time. At some steep points, ropes are fixed in the mountain to help. Half way point on the ascend is the lake. The last increase is a little tough but after that a gigantic outlook awaits you. If you are lucky there can be Kea´s around, even on the way up and in the valley. Take your time on the descent because it is quite exhausting for your knees. The Hike is absolutely not recommended if it rains and it is wet. A Doc member will sit in the parking lot to inform you about the upcoming weather conditions.
M	Maria Otago Pest Services Ltd on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Just back from Gertrude Saddle. Amazing hike, fantastic views. Snow in December so just shows you need to expect all conditions. We were with experienced climbers so very safe. Concerned about some others who looked ill prepared, set off late in worsening weather conditions. Such a beautiful valley and the view from the top is amazing.
N	Neozaru on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ One of my favorites day hikes in NZ. Although I wouldn't advise it to beginners (or with extra time & care), it is not as "extreme" or expert as the sign suggests. It is difficult, starting in a flat valley, then going straight up following orange poles, and then arriving on the rocky area for which the trail probably changes depending on the season, but can involve scrambling or walking in snow. Just be smart and don't use the "shorter trail people take were you have big blocks of ice about to detach and fall on you", and you'll be safe as long as you go at your pace.
A	Ana Mak on Google ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This hike is just amazing. It's the best only to walk when it's dry weather as suggested as rocks will be slippery. It's hard and require fitness but nothing that is not doable I could find! Breath taking!