Attempting to reach the Cascade Saddle | Wanaka, New Zealand

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  • Опубліковано 3 бер 2023
  • The Cascade Saddle route is a stunning and adrenaline-inducing trail located in Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand. This trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the region, but the breathtaking views of the Matukituki Valley, Dart Glacier and Mount Aspiring, make it well worth the effort.
    NOTE: The Cascade Saddle route is not recommended for inexperienced hikers and requires a good level of fitness. It's important to go with a guide or experienced hikers and check the weather forecast before starting the hike as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. However, for those up for the challenge, the Cascade Saddle route offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of New Zealand's stunning Southern Alps.
    Date hiked: April 2022
    Duration: 2-3 days
    Distance: 30km return, ~2000m elevation gain
    Great safety video for the Cascade Saddle by NZMSC: • Cascade Saddle Route: ...
    More info on the trail:
    - www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...
    - www.wildernessmag.co.nz/trip/...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 87

  • @moniquerad
    @moniquerad Місяць тому +1

    Beautiful filming. Wise decision making. We turned back on the Kepler during very strong winds and rain and returned to Luxmore Hut for a 2nd night. We were the only ones who did. The next morning we continued and had beautiful clear skies and snow on the tops.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Місяць тому

      That would have looked some beautiful the next day!
      That 2nd day on the Kepler is so exposed when crossing the ridge, you definitely made the smart and correct decision, well done 😊

  • @deang.7483
    @deang.7483 2 місяці тому +1

    Beautiful footage. One of my favourite areas I've ever visited. Good decision making too,

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  2 місяці тому

      Thank you! 🙏
      Will have to return and complete the track one day

  • @patrickscully4171
    @patrickscully4171 Місяць тому +1

    Thanks. It’s a bitter sweet experience watching this as I did this I think around age 21. It was pretty effortless back then. Climbing up the ridge, a flock of maybe 20 Keas were flying overhead. It was a bit nerve racking. I doubt such a thing would happen now as the great birds are in decline. I was on a mountaineer’s course. We camped up there and back then I was really into meditation and remember sitting in the snow and having a meditation and actually left my watch by mistake at the campsite. And after so many years, I’m meditating again.
    Enjoy your strength. The years go by fast. I’m not over the hill yet having done the Milford Track twice in 2019 and 2023 and watching your beautifully crafted videos is really inspiring me to return to some of these places.
    All the best

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Місяць тому +1

      Sounds beautiful Patrick. Would have been quite a different track back then I believe!
      Well done tackling the Milford twice in the last few years, definitely well worth the effort!
      Hope you have many more years of hiking/walking ahead of you 😊❤️🙏

    • @patrickscully4171
      @patrickscully4171 Місяць тому +1

      Thanks Chris or Danya.
      I’ll have to watch some more of your videos. Some of the places are most likely beyond my ability but hopefully I’m wrong. You certainly made the most of your time in these places. I think it’s possible Danya grew up near where I live in Melbourne.
      There’s something addictive about being in the mountains, you just want more and more and are sort of driven.
      Another addiction.😃
      Thanks for making the effort.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  26 днів тому +1

      Thanks for the continued support Patrick, we really appreciate it!
      Danya grew up in Western Australia so she grew up as a beach girl, but her mom is from Vancouver Canada (where I'm from), so she's got mountains in her blood! 😅
      I did a lot of camping growing up in Canada, but didn't get into hiking/backpacking until we moved to Australia.
      We're moving back to Canada in a week and really looking forward to exploring some new mountains and valleys!

    • @patrickscully4171
      @patrickscully4171 26 днів тому +1

      Hi Chris,
      So nice of you to write back.
      I’ve been meaning to watch your Milford Track video tonight.
      Wow. You’re from Vancouver. Such a beautiful place, I was talking about Canada this morning as my Wife’s colleague had poped over and she has a Canadian partner and her brother is studying in Vancouver. It’s one of the world’s paradise places as well as the Banff to Jasper trip. I’d love to return for another trip to Canada.
      And Danya from the West. Such a phenomenally beautiful part of Australian. And a great many people from the eastern states have not visited it. I have a friend in WA who has been “Over East, “ just once in her life.
      You went everywhere in NZ and so many cool places in Australia.
      Well done.
      And yes, it’s driving me crazy at the moment with watching NZ tramping videos and the fact that 38 years have passed since I did the Travers / Sabine.
      Time just goes so fast and faster as you get older too.
      Best wishes on your journey to Canada and good luck navigating the crazily experience world you’ve inherited and from the likes of me who had it easy. Sorry.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  26 днів тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words Patrick, hope you get the chance to hit the trails again soon ☺

  • @chriskiwi2601
    @chriskiwi2601 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi guys. We stumbled across your videos 10 days ago. All are brilliant, extremely well done, great photography. As kiwis we have done some of the walks but sadly at early 70s it is road trips and reminiscing. We obviously have more videos to watch and Chip away at. Stay safe.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  4 місяці тому

      Thank you for the kind words Chris ❤️🙏 It's great you get to call such a beautiful country home 😊
      Perhaps you could look into spending a night in Hooker Hut in Mt Cook National Park? It's a very easy/short walk to the hut!

  • @Capfka
    @Capfka 4 місяці тому +2

    It's years since I did the Matukituki-Dart trip via the Cascade Saddle. I would NEVER consider going up to the saddle and then back down the Matukituki face. I've heard of deaths and broken limbs when people have slipped on the tussocks and scree above the bushline, paricularly when the ground is wet. Camping overnight near the Cascade Saddle and then working your way down to the Dart Hut is much safer! You did exactly the right thing turning back while you had fine weather and daylight. You made it up and back in one piece - well done! Great vid by the way.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  4 місяці тому

      We had never really planned to do the Cascade Saddle track as a day hike, mainly because of the stories we had heard about coming down the Matukituki side. Once we determined we wouldn't have time to do the whole Rees-Dart track we decided to see how the climb up was and if we felt uncomfortable we'd turn around. It was definitely one of the steepest climbs we've done, but nothing scary. Definitely need to be focused, especially when climbing down. Still glad we turned around when we did because climbing down in the dark would've been a disaster
      One day we'll return to do the Rees-Dart track!

    • @Capfka
      @Capfka 4 місяці тому +1

      As I said above, you did the right thing. Since you were actually higher than the saddle when you crested the Matukituki Ridge, you should take the "attempted" out of the title. You guys did well. I always carried crampons and an ice axe when I did trips with high crossings, just in case. It was a great video and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Given the amount of scenrio setup you did, you look like professionals.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  4 місяці тому +1

      I've only left the "attempted" in the title, so people don't get disappointed when we don't actually reach the saddle. I believe some hikers use our videos to see what the track looks like, so if there is a section missing I want to be upfront about that

  • @testing24dfas
    @testing24dfas Рік тому +3

    This channel is a hidden jem.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you Mansoor 🙏❤. You're a gem! 😂

  • @piyawatrchommanee4917
    @piyawatrchommanee4917 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for posting this video! I am doing the same hike next month.

  • @stanmackowiak908
    @stanmackowiak908 Рік тому +2

    Some great shots and angles I have not seen before in countless videos and photos of the saddle, especially below bushline, which most trampers ignore. Very wise to turn back, especially with the hike back to the car.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      We could have spent another night at the hut instead of walking back in the dark, but we wanted to stay in our bed that night 😅. The important thing was descending with good light

  • @dominicmcnamara
    @dominicmcnamara Рік тому +6

    OMG Chris and Danya....having just returned from two weeks in NZ, I'm totally bespotted by your videos - THEY ARE EXCEPTIONAL. The scenery is stunning, your content perfect, your commentary wonderful...best of all, the dynamic between you two, when walking, is totally magnetic viewing.
    KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, DOC SHOULD HAVE YOU AS THEIR #1 CONTENT CREATORS, with 1M+ subscribers.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you so much for your kind words Dominic, it really means a lot. ❤🙏
      Hope you had a wonderful time in NZ and the weather was alright for most of it. It's been a strange summer weather wise

    • @OutdoorsmanDave
      @OutdoorsmanDave Рік тому +1

      Thanks, I don’t do much narration but I have been thinking about wireless mics, which might double as a narration mic 🤔

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      @@OutdoorsmanDave That could be good as well! If you don't do a lot of narration that might be a better choice. The DJI wireless mic package looks really good

  • @nzmeateater
    @nzmeateater 10 місяців тому +1

    Cool vid mate, enjoyed that, 👍

  • @wombatbreath
    @wombatbreath Рік тому +3

    Great video! That view of the Matukituki and the sound of the kea just never gets old. Great views of the Dart Glacier and stunning Otago weather too.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Weather was definitely a lot better last summer compared to this year!

  • @johnhallford239
    @johnhallford239 Рік тому +2

    In no way was that a fail. You two got to experience first hand views in which breathtaking and stunning are good beginner adjectives. 1,000 words could never do those views justice. You taking us along with you is a treat; one which most of us would never experience without this video. Thats a win for all of us. I've enjoyed each of your videos immensely. The scenery in each one has been beautiful. This one, though, is my new favorite. While it won't happen this trip, I am resigned to needing to see those views for myself. The distance shots with Danya at 3:33 & 9:38 and you at 9:04 were beautiful perspective moments (how tiny we are compared to those backgrounds), as were the shots with each of you on the end of the saddle overlooking the river valley so far below. Once again, great work. Nicely done. Most important, thank you.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you as always for your kind words and encouragement John. It means a lot to us ❤🙏🙌☺

  • @debs_hiking_journey
    @debs_hiking_journey Рік тому +2

    Wow 😍 I'm lost for words, those views were beautiful, and it's never a fail... too beautiful to be a fail.

  • @philippjeberger-us2jh
    @philippjeberger-us2jh Рік тому +1

    Just Wanted to say how much i love your Videos. I Think you are one of the most underrated Content creators on UA-cam. Keep the Great Work going !

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for saying that Philipp and thank you for the support! It really means a lot🙏❤️

  • @mathewmacpherson857
    @mathewmacpherson857 7 місяців тому +1

    Had a great laugh watching this vid. I got to exactly the same point and decided to turn around too. Getting back down was a mission and I still remember the muscle soreness which lasted for days after that I got from the scuttle back down. Thanks for the vid. Great stuff.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  7 місяців тому

      Still gutted we didn't make it the whole way! Our legs were definitely feeling it and if we continued on, going back would have been a huge struggle. So funny you turned around at the same spot. Those last few KMs sure look far after that climb 😁

  • @andrewforrest108
    @andrewforrest108 4 місяці тому +1

    Love this video, and your good intuitive mountain sense too.....awesome and inspiring, thank you!

  • @susanrogers7709
    @susanrogers7709 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video! I've always had Cascade Saddle in the too steep for me bucket, but you've shown thoughtful clear detail at points I haven't watched beforefore. With the right prep I'm excited I might get it into the can do bucket. Beautifully shot thank you.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  5 місяців тому +1

      Danya was really nervous about this one as well, but to be honest it's not that bad. It's very steep yes, but at no point were we clinging to the rock afraid we were going to fall. I'd recommend starting earlier than you think you would need and doing it when the days are the longest. I'm sure you'll do great 😊

  • @alanbrassil5074
    @alanbrassil5074 Рік тому +1

    As always, beautifully shot. Some sketchy moments & a good call to turn around. It’s not going anywhere & always there if you want to revisit & make another attempt. Better being smart & safe. Thanks once again for sharing your beautiful stories-we love each & every one.

  • @craigb1427
    @craigb1427 Рік тому +1

    Wow that’s a serious hike. Just amazing thank you

  • @falvz4197
    @falvz4197 Рік тому +1

    So good of you to share. Important to witness the live decision making by some experienced hikers at play and send a great message for us less experienced. Made for added drama in another spectacular video. That daring spit of rock overlooking the valley and the epilogue with the scrapping birds (?!?) was surely as rewarding as any peak. Sharing your adventure certainly made my daily commute less of a chore.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you for the kind words 🙏
      It's so cool to know people are enjoying watching our videos during their commute to work. Thank you for the support ❤️

  • @dearmountains3431
    @dearmountains3431 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely stunning👍👍 love your film making! As a hiker, I enjoy your videos!! Great channel!!

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much, that really means a lot ❤️🙏

  • @user-jp6dh8nb7n
    @user-jp6dh8nb7n 5 місяців тому +1

    A great video, well constructed, with thoughtful commentary

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  5 місяців тому

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 🙏❤️

  • @sal8527
    @sal8527 Рік тому +1

    I’d love to see a video about your gear some time!

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Will definitely do one! Just want to sit down and weigh everything beforehand so we can do a comprehensive video

  • @hamishperkins2307
    @hamishperkins2307 Рік тому +1

    Geez, Mount Aspiring National Park really is something else, huh? Good on you guys. Great effort.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      And this is only a small portion of it! Such a great National Park. Thanks for watching ☺

  • @winchesterdown
    @winchesterdown 7 місяців тому +1

    Sage advice at the end.
    Nice video, well done.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  7 місяців тому

      Thank you for the support! 🙏❤️

  • @angelicamason1650
    @angelicamason1650 Рік тому +1

    Nothing to apologise for. Beautiful scenery which we get to see without putting in the hard yards!

  • @jenniferblakeney1581
    @jenniferblakeney1581 Рік тому +1

    Breathtaking as usual... you're videos are just wow 🤩! While disappointing not to make the saddle, smart move to make that call and live to hike (and film) another day - maybe next time you can go up the Dart side and catch that glacier! Danya is a hiking boss, by the way - she makes it look sooo incredibly easy!! Thanks as always for these exceptionally stunning images - most people will never live to see it in real life, but through your videos, you're giving them the gift of New Zealand's beauty 💚💙

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you for the words of encouragement Jennifer! ❤🙏
      Danya says it definitely doens't feel easy, but she likes looking like a hiking boss 😎 haha
      Thanks for watching, fans like you are the reason we keep them coming! ☺

  • @HolisticHikes
    @HolisticHikes Рік тому +1

    Absolutely fantastic content. Well done!

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Thank you, great to hear from you again! 🙏❤️
      We'll be moving back to the Pacific Northwest in 2024 and we can't wait!

  • @shinji112
    @shinji112 Рік тому +1

    I'm looking forward to the day jet-packs are more common so I can save my knees from destruction and enjoy these kind of views. Thanks for taking us along.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Portable jet-packs? Sign us up! 😂
      Thanks for coming along ☺

  • @PhotoAllanRich
    @PhotoAllanRich Рік тому +1

    I reached Cascade Saddle from the Rees-Dart track, which I thoroughly recommend for a multi-day walk.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      We always wanted to do the Rees-Dart track but could never get enough time to do it. Will have to return one day and do it

    • @sal8527
      @sal8527 Рік тому +1

      We did the same, many years ago. Rees-Dart is a great track. It’s Kepler I’ve always wanted to do!

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      The ridge walking on Day 2 of the Kepler is stunning

  • @martyb154
    @martyb154 Рік тому +1

    such great videos, you make me want to move there

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      We didn't want to have to pick and choose what to hike on a holiday, so we just decided to move here 😅

  • @sal8527
    @sal8527 Рік тому +2

    You were very wise to turn back when you did! Overconfidence has proved the end of a number of hikers on that route. Good on ya.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Sal ❤️🙏. Definitely think it was the right choice

    • @sal8527
      @sal8527 Рік тому +2

      We did that route back in the 90s, and it took us way longer to get back than we expected, it got dark, the river had risen and if it hadn’t been for a friend gathering folks from the hut to come down and check to see what was going on, see us across the river, make a human chain to get us across, who knows… bad stuff happens to the overconfident out there. 😬😬😬 I was forever chastened.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      A lot of other places in the world have predators to worry about, but NZ it's all about mother nature. The terrain is difficult and the forever changing weather can be unpredictable! Always need to be more cautious when tramping in the wild over here
      We even find the locals to be a bit too casual when heading into the back country. The hut network is fantastic, but can give a false sense of safety and protection

  • @christophermarshall527
    @christophermarshall527 Рік тому +1

    I agree with your decision to go back. By coincidence I and a friend camped at Cascade River for two nights, just a week before your trip and then went through to the Dart Hut, beautiful trip.
    Thanks for your excellent vid!!!! Cheers...

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Would love to do the Rees-Dart Track one day! Sounds like a great time

    • @christophermarshall527
      @christophermarshall527 Рік тому +1

      @@ChrisandDanya yes the Rees Dart is a very pretty walk with great huts and several really nice side trips from the main route..

  • @OutdoorsmanDave
    @OutdoorsmanDave Рік тому +1

    Going back is still a forward decision in the wild. It would be tough with a full 18kg backpack. Well done 👍
    What mic do you narrate with please?

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      Agreed Dave! We're honestly surprised we didn't make it. With spending the night at Aspiring Hut before and going up with day packs, we definitely thought we gave ourselves enough time. We probably could have made it, but we wanted to descend with good light as Danya was struggling a bit on the way up. Can't imagine how difficult it would be with a full pack on and camping near the saddle.
      I just use a cheap Razer Seiren Mini to do the narration/voice overs, with a bit of enhancements in the editing software. If I was to buy another USB mic, I would get either the Audio Technica AT2020 or Shure MV7.

  • @ginganutjob
    @ginganutjob Рік тому

    need to come up and do some tararuas if you think that was hard ;p

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +1

      Yes there are countless hikes harder than this one, some that we have done. This wasn't about it being too difficult to complete, it was about giving ourselves enough time to descend in good light

  • @danielkraft492
    @danielkraft492 Рік тому +1

    hi what is the garmin device you use? the orange thing on your pack strap? thanks!

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому

      That is a Garmin InReach Mini. We don't really use it for it's GPS function, we use it for 2-way Satellite communication

  • @MopokesAdventures
    @MopokesAdventures Рік тому +2

    Hey guys, can I ask what time of year is it that you have been doing all your tramps? The weather you have couldn't have been better.

    • @ChrisandDanya
      @ChrisandDanya  Рік тому +2

      This was April last year. Anything from around Wanaka or further south is all from November 2022 or earlier. The weather last summer was really good, I think it only rained a handful of times in 3-4 months. This summer the weather has been really strange and making planning trips a bit difficult to be honest!