There’s something deeply satisfying about threading a route through the heart of the Southern Alps — especially when it links two iconic backcountry experiences: crossing Brodrick Pass and rafting the wild Landsborough River. This journey delivered everything you’d hope for in a true mountain adventure: remote country, varied terrain, a physical challenge, and that unbeatable feeling of isolation where you can genuinely unplug from the outside world.

We started in the upper reaches of the Hopkins Valley, walking in beneath towering peaks that framed the landscape with classic South Island grandeur. A steady climb up a bouldery riverbed led us into the head of the Huxley, and from there the route up to Brodrick Pass revealed itself — steep, tussocky slopes giving way to an alpine saddle steeped in history and weather-beaten beauty. Standing on the pass, the view down into the Landsborough was all promise and potential: a vast wilderness basin hemmed in by sheer walls, river braids glittering far below, and not a whisper of civilisation in sight.

The descent into the Landsborough is no easy stroll. It’s rough, steep in parts, and definitely requires care — classic Kiwi backcountry tramping. But every step down brought us closer to the reward: the river itself. By the time we reached the valley floor, legs were weary but spirits were high. The Landsborough is one of those places that feels completely untouched. Remote, quiet, and pulsing with the energy of pure alpine runoff.

Rafting out the Landsborough was the perfect way to close the loop. The river’s flow carried us past dense beech forest, cascading side streams, and sheer cliffs glowing in the evening light. Some rapids kept the adrenaline up, but mostly it was about soaking in the grandeur of this seldom-seen valley. After days on foot, letting the river do the work was a joy.

This wasn’t just a tramp or a rafting trip — it was a genuine mountain journey through one of New Zealand’s wildest and most spectacular regions. The kind of mission that sticks with you long after you’re back to normal life. For those looking to get off the beaten track and into the real mountains, Brodrick Pass to the Landsborough is a route I’d do again in a heartbeat.

A huge thanks to the great folks at Alpine Recreation and Hidden Valleys Rafting for putting together this epic adventure. Their guides are incredible, patient and made us feel safe and cared for. Not having to worry about the logistics of the trip, meant we could focus on the journey and enjoy every moment!