Cameron Valley Track
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 5 hr
Distance:
7 km
About the area
The Makarora region of Mount Aspiring National Park offers a number of tramping opportunities. Many of the tracks follow the river valleys that branch off the Makarora River and range from one-day walks to challenging four- to five-day tramps.
Description
The Cameron Valley’s entrance is a spectacular gorge with towering bluffs and a cascading waterfall. The track starts from the Cameron Creek car-park and climbs up through a series of small bluffs before sidling around above the gorge, some parts are steep and exposed. After the gorge the track descends across a large slip to the river, about two hours from the carpark. After crossing the river the track re-enters the forest and continues to the south branch before coming out on a grassy river flat. The four-bunk Cameron Hut is at the southern end of the flat.
Places to stay
This is a standard four-bunk hut in the Wanaka area.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required