East Matukituki Valley tracks

Tramping track

Getting there

The East Matukituki Valley is a one hour drive west from Wanaka Township; the last 10 kilometres is on a gravel road. The turnoff to the Cameron Flat carpark, on the right, is signposted.

Description

Junction Flat in the East Matukituki
Valley

The main track up the East Branch of the Matukituki River provides several options. It connects with a side track to the Glacier Burn, and continues up the river to Junction Flat. From that flat there's a side route to the Kitchener Valley and Rock of Ages Biv. There is also the option of the route up the true left of the river's East Branch to Ruth Flat and a traverse over the range to the Wilkin Valley. This should only be attemped by experienced parties.

The grassy river flats are leasehold farm land. Please respect this and do not disturb the stock.

Cameron Flat to Glacier Burn

Time: 2 hr

Ford the Matukituki River at Cameron Flat. If the river is high use the Otago Boys High Bridge, one hour upstream on the river's West Branch. Beyond the old Mount Aspiring Station homestead the track passes through beech forest, climbs to a saddle and descends to the Glacier Burn. The track leads up the burn's true right, before the bridge, There are spectacular bluffs and waterfalls at the head of the valley, though there is no formed track beyond the river.

Cameron Flat to Junction Flat

Time: 2.5 hr

After reaching and crossing the Glacier Burn the track runs parallel to the East Branch to reach Junction Flat and the Kitchener River.

Junction Flat to Rock of Ages Biv

The head of the Kitchener Valley

Time: 1.5 hr

This is classified as a route. It follows the true right of the Kitchener River and climbs an old slip and passes through beech forest to the top of the gorge. There are spectacular views of the Kitchener Cirque from Aspiring Flat. The Rock of Ages rock biv is 30 minutes past Aspiring Flat, 20 metres above the flats and in bush near the head of the flats.

Plan and prepare

Safety

The Kitchener Valley is prone to flooding in heavy rain and can become inaccessible. Plan your trip carefully and check weather forecasts. Unpredictable weather patterns mean that snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of year. Although the valleys are not closed in winter, snow may make travel difficult and dangerous.

Register your intentions at DOC's visitor centre in Wanaka and please remember to sign out at the end of your trip.

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