Mt Murray is a 1611 m mountain in the Doubtful Range, in the area collectively known as “Lewis Pass”. On the NZ Topo map, the mountain looks somewhat achievable as a day trip from SH7, similar to Mt Garfield, which I’ve climbed a couple of times as a day trip (see here). However, this time I had just over a day – I was due to meet my partner at 10 am the following morning at Engineers Camp – so I thought I’d attempt it as a two-day trip (in the end, I completed about 85% of it on day one). My original plan was to camp on the tops, but incoming stormy weather chased me down to Doubtful Hut, where I stayed the night. Doubtful Hut is a pretty neglected and rather unpleasant-looking shelter in a sandfly-infested spot; however, during a storm, it suddenly becomes a very welcoming dry place. The new DOC blue mattresses make it quite a bearable experience to stay there. Mt Murray is certainly achievable as a day trip for a fit tramper, but I’d say it’s a pretty challenging day out, even more so than Mt Garfield. The route description follows:

Cross the Boyle River at around pt519. At low or standard flows, this is not a problem for an experienced tramper. Follow the Doubtful River Valley track towards Doubtful Hut for about 45 minutes. In 2025, the track was washed away in many places and now includes some route-finding through matagouri scrub. Once you come to a prominent creek that drains the valley between Mt Murray and Mt Garfield (let’s call it Murray Creek), follow it upstream. The travel is very pleasant at the beginning, with many scenic camping spots on grassy terraces on both sides of the creek in the first couple of kilometres. The creek gradually becomes rougher and narrower.

Between the 780-880 m contours, the creek narrows and becomes quite rough. Many fresh slips and windfalls obstruct the creek. At the 930 m contour, there is an approximately 7 m waterfall that can be easily bypassed on the true left of the creek. Where the creek forks at 950 m, take the true left tributary. It’s tempting to exit the creek at 1040 m and scramble up to a terrace where an obvious clearing appears on the Topomap. This direct route to Mt Murray is, however, very steep and covered in thick scrub, which would make it a very painful experience. The easier option seems to be to keep following the creek. After a few more slightly rougher patches, the creek finally emerges from the bush at around 1120 m. After that, travel becomes much more pleasant. Follow the creek all the way to the saddle at pt1375. Alternatively, at about 1250 m, take one of the many spurs up to the ridge. I tried one of the nicer-looking spurs, but the top part was nearly vertical, so next time I’d rather go to saddle pt1375 first. It’s a bit longer but more pleasant.

The ridge leading to Mt Murray has a few small scrambly sections, and some care needs to be taken. The scrambly bits can be easily bypassed by dropping down onto a grassy terrace at Pussy Stream basin. From the top of Mt Murray, continue along grassy ridges towards pt1510 and pt1401. A reasonably good descent line to the Doubtful Valley follows the ridge on the TR of the creek draining the tarns between pt1510 and pt1401. The forest is quite open and there is indeed a vague but relatively well-defined deer track, which is sparsely marked with cruise tape (at least it was 2025). Stick to the true right all the way down to the valley. About 100 m before the ridge meets the Doubtful Valley track, the ridge becomes very steep, so it’s better to drop down to the creek on your left.

Once in the Doubtful Valley, just follow the DOC track to Doubtful Hut or towards Engineers Camp.

Tramped on 22nd November 2025.

Stats: 17.6 km, 7h 30 min (to Doubtful Hut, add 2h back to Engineers Camp), 1230 m ascent. Route on NZ Topo Map (download below)

Photos

Map

Download file: GPX-hikingisgood-com-nz-2026-Mt_Murray_in_Doubtful_Range.gpx