Korowai/Torlesse
Tussock lands Park  aprox. 21000 hectares, covers the Big Ben ranges and the Torlesse Gap, which are the mountains we look at from Smylies.

It is probably one of the easiest to reach as it is divided by State Highway 73 and the Porters Pass, the old road, made in 1858 by hand is still visible. if you bring your mountain bike you can ride down both sides of the Pass and end up at the bottom ,time required between 15min and 30 min depending on ability, note however the old coach road has a small slip on the top and can be overgrown with grass and the other side is steep (advanced riders no problem) for the first couple of 100m after that gradual down with a little up and down. If you wanted to walk it you could go up the coach road and down the other side .

Routes

All these trips are routes only – unmarked and suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped people. Maps that cover the area are Topographic Map 260 – K34, K35, L34, L35. Times are approximate and one way.

Foggy Peak and Castle Hill Peak

From the car park at the top of Porters Pass, follow a well-worn trail up through low scrub and tussock and across gravel areas, towards Foggy Peak. at 1500 m there is a big flat area  good for a break ,don't be freaked out by the view up  as it is only 200 m up to foggy peak from there. Large cairns mark the way in places. (1–2 hours)

Beyond Foggy Peak, follow the broad ridge. The ridge narrows for the final climb to the trig on the summit of Castle Hill Peak. (2–4 hours)

The Gap

From Castle Hill Peak experienced parties can traverse across to The Gap. Beyond peak 1941, sidle just off the north side of the ridge until you reach the bluffs above The Gap. Descend down scree to the north for about 50m, to a shoulder that leads directly back into The Gap.

From The Gap, a scree slope and rocky ridge provide a good route down to the Kowai River. Some rock scrambling is required.

Mt Torlesse

Access is across Brooksdale Station, please ring for permission. Follow an old vehicle track up the true right of Kowai River to opposite Kowai Hut (private). (1–2 hours)

The spur on the true right of the side stream, by the hut, is the most direct route to Mt Torlesse.The spur starts off with a gradual climb, becomes a steep ridge, and leads directly to Mt Torlesse. (3–4 hours)

If returning down the ridge, small cairns mark the top of a narrow scree that drops steeply into the side-stream.

Thirteen Mile Bush

Access is across Benmore Station, please ring for permission. Follow up the gravel bed of Thirteen Mile Stream until in the beech forest. Markers on the true right show an entrance which sidles through the forest to Benmore Hut. (3 hours)

Climb the spur behind the hut through regenerating beech, to reach an easy tussock ridge that leads onto the north east end of the Big Ben Range.

Rabbit Hill

Trig M and rabbit hill  just over the Pass heading towards Lake Lyndon on the left hand side you will find a green DOC sign ,(room for about 3 cars) just walk on up to great views , you can also walk all the way back to the red hut at the bottom of the Pass

cave stream: a 362 m long cave which you can walk thru { if you don't mind getting wet} keep an eye out for weather  and read the instructions

From the car park two tracks lead to the cave entrances. A short trail goes north to the upstream entrance, through a diverse karst (limestone) landscape of solution holes, rillenkarren (water grooved rocks) and sculptured rock formations. The other track leads to the edge of a terrace overlooking the outflow entrance of the cave. It continues down the face of the terrace to the junction of Cave Stream and Broken River.

Going through the cave

The cave passage meanders and twists in pitch darkness for 362 metres between the two entrances. It takes approximately one hour to go through. There is a three metre waterfall at the inlet end. If care is taken, fit, inexperienced cavers can go through.

Caving parties should have at least two reliable lights per person, warm polypropylene or wool clothing, and sturdy footwear.

Cavers are recommended to enter the cave at the outflow end and walk against the flow of the stream. To assist climbing out the inlet end of the cave, a rung ladder ascends beside the waterfall. A chain and steps help to get along the overhang ledge to the exit.

Scour holes, terraces and small waterfalls can be seen while going through the cave.

Watch the water level in the cave. It varies and can be quite deep in places. Normally the deepest section (at the first corner from the cave outlet end) is just above waist level on an adult. If the stream is abnormally high, with the water dis-coloured or foaming, do not attempt to enter.