Cameron Valley Track
Located in Makarora area and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region
Introduction
Starting at the Cameron Creek car park enjoy a good day's tramp ending at the 4-bunk Cameron Hut.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 traverses across a large unstable slip to the river - one of several slips in this valley. This is about two hours from the car park.
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 track is not marked across the flat. Cameron Hut is on the true left at the southern end of the flat.
Adverse weather
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
Crossing rivers: If you plan to cross an unbridged river, you must know how to identify an unsafe river, and where and how to cross safely. You should also be prepared for being unable to cross.
If the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe, do not try to cross. Turn back or wait for the river to drop - this often takes a few hours after rain, so be ready and pack emergency shelter and extra food.
A river is unsafe if there is:
- discoloured water
- debris in the water (such as branches)
- water flowing faster than walking pace
- movement of rocks in the water you can hear
Learn more about river safety on the NZ Mountain Safety Council website.
Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.
The visitor centre in Makarora is no longer available
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres for visitor information, including trip planning, and track and weather updates for this region.
Your safety is your responsibility
- Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
- Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Safety Code.
Contacts
| Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | 0272696871 |
| Fax: | 03 4437660 |
| Email: | wanakavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
1 Ballantyne Road Wanaka 9305 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 93 Wanaka 9343 |
| Full office details | |