Makarora Valley Track
Tramping track
Time:
5 - 7 hr
Distance:
10.5 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 upper Makarora Valley opens out into long grassy flats that lead to an impressive basin at the foot of Mount Brewster. Cross the river at Davis Flat to the steep climb beside Stewart Falls or gain access via the ‘high river’ track on the true left of the road bridge.
Above the falls, the track sidles above the gorge – slippery when wet – before descending to a small river flat. Continue through small open flats and forest to the main valley flat. From here the track is unmarked to the four-bunk Makarora Hut, about 50 minutes away. It’s on the right at the northern end of the flat, close to the bush edge.
A three-hour day trip, from the hut to the basin at the head of the valley is recommended. It’s an unmarked track that’s normally partially covered in ice, coming down from Mount Brewster’s upper slopes. Accessed along the river, two gorges must be by-passed – take the true right to sidle around the first gorge, and the true left for the second.
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