Description
About 15 minutes from the Raspberry Flat car park, cross a swing bridge across the West Matukituki River. The track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with good views of the Rob Roy Glacier.
Getting there
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed. The last 10 km is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable – check road conditions before you leave.
The drive takes about an hour. Transport services from Wanaka to the car park are available.
Nature and conservation
The playful and inquisitive kea, with its harsh ‘kee-a’ call, is often seen and/or heard in the valley (don’t feed them).
Know before you go
An unstable slip on the lower section of the track has a steep drop-off that requires care when crossing.
Weather in this area can be unpredictable and alpine conditions can arrive at any time of year – take appropriate clothing, and check weather and road conditions before you go.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
- Private property: This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property. Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
- Livestock can be unpredictable - avoid disturbing stock when travelling through the valley.