Rees-Dart Track
Located in Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region
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Introduction
See spectacular mountain scenery, forest and alpine vegetation, glacier-fed rivers and the Dart Glacier on the Rees-Dart Track.Image gallery
Video
What to expect
The track between Shelter Rock and Dart Hut is a marked route only, is narrow with a number of steep drop offs – particularly in the Upper Snowy Creek.
Camping
Camping is allowed, except:
- Muddy Creek to park boundary, and
- between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut.
Muddy Creek to park boundary
Time: 4–5 hr
Distance: 12 km
Camping: No camping in this section – the park boundary is marked by a sign.
Take the vehicle track from Muddy Creek and follow the marker poles across the boggy section beyond Arthurs Creek.
A side trip to the Kea Basin begins on the other side of the Rees River north of the picturesque Lennox Falls. Continue up the grassy flats to the swing bridge on the national park boundary.
This track crosses private land. Please respect the landowner’s property and leave all gates as you find them.
Park boundary to Shelter Rock Hut
Time: 2–3 hr
Distance: 7 km
Warning: Avalanche paths between the upper bushline and Shelter Rock Hut can make travel hazardous from late autumn to early summer.
There is a marked track through the bush and a swing bridge crossing to the west bank of Rees River. The track continues through beech forest past Clarke Slip to the bush edge.
Above the bush, the track crosses several gullies that are avalanche paths. Take care crossing these gullies in spring and early summer when late snow may still pose a risk. Half an hour up from the bush edge, cross a bridge to the river’s east bank to reach the 22-bunk Shelter Rock Hut.
Shelter Rock Hut to Dart Hut
Time: 4–6 hr
Distance: 10 km
Camping: Not allowed between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut – this is to protect these fragile alpine and subalpine areas.
Warning: The upper Snowy Creek bridge is removed each winter and is returned when the snow clears, which can be as late as December. This creek can be hazardous so extreme care must be taken if crossing it. Avalanche paths between the bushline and Dart Hut can make travel hazardous from late autumn to early summer.
The track between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut is narrow with a number of steep drop-offs, particularly in the upper Snowy Creek. Follow the true left of Rees River as the track goes through scrub then rises about 100 m above the river.
The track sidles into the tussock-filled upper basin and follows the river’s bed. On the final steep climb to the 1471 m Rees Saddle, there is a lightly marked track close to the bluff on the left.
From the saddle, follow the orange markers as the track drops and passes tarns to a tussock bench well above Snowy Creek. From here, the track traverses steep slopes that can be dangerous when wet or snow covered.
A bridge crosses upper Snowy Creek, and the track sidles across broken slopes before descending sharply. The Dart Hut is on Snowy Creek’s true left and can be reached via a swing bridge.
Side trip: Dart Hut to Dart Glacier/Cascade Saddle
Time: 4–5 hr one way
Distance: 10 km one way
The Dart Glacier and the Cascade Saddle make for challenging but rewarding day trips from Dart Hut.
Cross the swing bridge near Dart Hut. Follow the metal poles and rock cairns northward along the Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu and the edge of the Dart Glacier.
The side streams near Dart hut can rise quickly and become impassable due to rainfall and snow melt in hot summer weather.
More about the Cascade Saddle Route.
Sidetrip: Dart Hut to the Whitbourn Valley
Time: 2–4 hr
Distance: 7 km
Warning: The swing bridge across the Dart River had to be removed due to flood damage. Trampers wishing to access the Whitbourn Valley must now ford the river. This could be extremely hazardous in heavy rain or snowmelt – we recommend you talk to a DOC ranger before attempting this crossing.
The track to the Whitbourn Glacier is not signposted and not maintained. The Whitbourn River joins the Dart River half an hour downstream from Dart Hut. Highly experienced parties can cross the Dart River and navigate along what’s left of the old track to the glacier’s snout.
Dart Hut to Daleys Flat
Time: 5–7 hr
Distance: 18 km
From Dart Hut, it is an easy 2 to 3-hour sidle and descent through beech forest to Cattle Flat. A faint track marked by metal poles leads across the 4 kilometres of Cattle Flat, crossing terraces and gullies and is followed by a well marked track through beech forest to Daleys Flat Hut.
Note: Unbridged side streams can rise quickly with heavy rain making crossings dangerous.
Daleys Flat to Chinamans carpark
Time: 5 hr – 7 hr
Distance: 16 km
Warning: Keep to the track between Sandy Bluff and Dayleys Flat Hut. Keep out of the lake/river bed as there is quicksand present.
From Daley’s Flat Hut, follow the well-formed trail for the first hour. The track becomes rough and uneven as it deviates away from the recently formed lake over Dredge Flat, before climbing steeply to reach the picturesque high viewpoint on Sandy bluff. From here, the track traverses through the beech forest high above the Dart River, much of this section has been realigned after landslides forced a long-term closure.
The initial parts are narrow and sometimes steep and require a higher level of backcountry skill, until reaching the recent track improvements, where travel is much easier. After descending to Surveyors Flat the track stays close to the river, then gradually climbs over Chinamans Bluff, and eases out towards Chinamans Flat car park.
Chinamans road end to Paradise
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6 km
Warning: During heavy rain, the road floods, preventing vehicle access beyond Paradise. Trampers may need to walk to Paradise to meet transport.
A 6 km fine weather road leads to Paradise, crossing Chinamans Flat, forests and Dans Paddock before entering forests again and descending to farmland at Mill Flat. Dan's Paddock was a location for Isengard, one of the Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Understand if you are ready for the Rees-Dart Track
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.
The Rees track begins 68 km from Queenstown, via Glenorchy, and there is a car park at Muddy Creek.
It's possible to take 4WD vehicles beyond Muddy Creek, but as Muddy Creek is prone to sudden washouts which make it impassable. It's not advisable to leave vehicles for any length of time on the other side.
The Dart track begins 76 km from Queenstown via Glenorchy. A 2WD road extends to Chinamans Bluff, however, this is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks.
Maps
NZTopo50 – Sheets CA10 and CB10
Transport operators
View DOC-approved businesses that provide transport and guided options in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Destination Queenstown also has information about transport providers.
Camping
Campers are encouraged to camp outside the huts. Camping on the Cascade Saddle Route is only permitted near Cascade Creek. Be aware that kea chew tents and steal gear at Cascade Creek Campsite and on the Cascade Saddle Route. Do not disturb kea. They are a protected species and are in their natural habitat.
Water
Water at the huts is not treated. Boil before use or take enough water treatment supplies.
Lighting fires
Fires should only be lit in designated fireplaces and must be kept small. Do not use live vegetation on fires and have containers of water close by for controlling any fires that get out of control. Always make sure the fire is out before leaving the area. Gas cookers should be used for cooking – care is required with these.
Crossing private land
The section of track from the Muddy Creek car park to the national park boundary (12 km) crosses the Rees Valley Station. This is private farmland. Stay on the track and do not camp, hunt or disturb stock on this land.
River crossings
River and stream crossings will become hazardous in heavy rain or snow melt, particularly in the Cattle Flat and lower Dart valley area. If a river is high, do not cross it - have alternative plans and extra supplies.
Be prepared for all weather
The upper Rees valley and Snowy Creek area are exposed with no shelter in bad weather. Cold temperatures, snow, high winds, and heavy rain are possible at any time of the year. The weather and track conditions can change at any time. Check with the visitor centre for information on current conditions.
Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof/plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including blister treatment materials
- Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year, for example, map, compass
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
Cooking and food equipment
- Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel. Check individual huts for what cooking facilities and lighting are provided.
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
Toiletries
- Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option
If camping
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Ground sheet
- Gas cooker
Clothing
- For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night.
- Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear – should be comfortable and well broken in
- Socks – wool or polypropylene
- Shorts – quick dry material
- Shirt – wool or polypropylene
- Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
- Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
- Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Food
You cannot buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
- Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads
- Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
- Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.
You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
May to October
In winter the Rees-Dart tracks are impassable to all but experienced mountaineers due to heavy snow, especially in the Upper Rees and Snowy Creek area. If attempting the track in that time, you'll need additional equipment.
You need to be totally self-sufficient. In addition to what to pack for an overnight or multiday tramp, you also need:
- food for at least two extra days
- stove and gas for cooking
- lighter or matches
- alpine equipment: ice axe and crampons
- avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe.
- personal locator beacon
- mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional)
Physical fitness and good equipment will make all the difference to your enjoyment of the trip.
In winter the Rees-Dart tracks are impassable to all but experienced mountaineers, due to heavy snow, especially in the Upper Rees and Snowy Creek area.
Expect challenging track conditions
Snow is present in higher areas and sometimes on lower areas. Deep snow can hide track markers.
Between Rees Saddle and Shelter Rock Hut
Image: Kerrin Burnnard
Avalanches are possible
There are multiple avalanche paths that are typically active from May to November. The greatest risk is in areas with avalanche terrain rated as 'challenging' or 'complex' on the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale. These areas are:
- The Dart Track from the Whitbourn River confluence to the Dart Hut
- The final 1.5 km before Shelter Rock Hut on the Rees Track
- Rees Track between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut
Avalanches can occur outside of these areas but are less frequent.
Read more about avalanche terrain and paths on the Rees-Dart Track and be avalanche alert in Whakatipu.
The upper Snowy Creek bridge is removed during winter due to the area being avalanche prone. The exact timing of this removal depends on weather and avalanche conditions.
Conditions are cold, wet and windy
During winter months, the Rees Dart Track is frequently cold, wet and windy. Dress for the conditions.
Expect reduced hut facilities
Hut facilities are reduced.
- Gas cookers are not provided – you need to bring your own cooking stove.
- Running water may not be available. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest watercourse or by melting snow. We recommend that you treat all stream water in case of giardia or other bugs.
- No DOC rangers.
- Pit toilets.
- No re-supply of fire place fuel - wood should be sourced from the forest floor for the next hut users.
- No emergency radio facilities.
You need to be totally self-sufficient
You need to be totally self-sufficient. In addition to what to pack on an multi day hike, you also need:
- food for at least two extra days
- stove and gas for cooking
- lighter or matches
- alpine equipment: ice axe and crampons
- avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe.
- personal locator beacon
- mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional)
History
Early history
The Rees and Dart River valleys were well known to the Ngāi Tahu people of Southland and the Otago Coast. Ngāi Tahu and their ancestors used ara tawhito (traditional trails) for mahinga kai (food gathering) and pounamu trading. These ara tawhito crossed the main divide of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
The Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu was part of the ara tawhito connecting Whakatipu-wai-Māori (Lake Whakatipu) with Whakatipu Waitai (Martins Bay). This was where one of the largest Ngāi Tahu kāinga (settlements) in South Westland was situated.
Ngāi Tahu travelled great distances to collect the valued, pearly grey-green inaka/koko-takiwai variety of pounamu. Many pounamu artefacts and the remains of several kāinga nohoanga (seasonal settlements) have been found at the head of Whakatipu-wai-Māori.
Today, ownership of all pounamu remaining within the takiwā (tribal boundary) of Ngāi Tahu and the adjacent seas are vested in Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
From the 1860s
The first Europeans to explore the Rees-Dart area were surveyors, prospectors and run holders looking for grazing land. Surveyor James McKerrow finished his reconnaissance in 1863. By this time, many gold prospectors and miners were based at the head of Whakatipu-wai-Māori.
Sheep runs were established in the Rees and Dart valleys and at Mount Earnslaw during the 1860s.
In 1864, a mining party led by Patrick Caples crossed the Rees Saddle into the Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu to search for reported gold. Little was found and after days of snow they retreated to the Rees valley. Caples was the first European to refer to the Dart Glacier, which he saw on this trip.
A gold dredge operated on the Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu from 1899 until 1902. There is still evidence today of the gold sluicing that happened around the Whitbourn/Dart confluence circa 1870s.
Modern times
The areas remarkable natural landscapes and diversity were recognised in 1964 with the creation of Mount Aspiring National Park and again in 1991 with the establishment of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage area.
More recently the valleys have been used as film locations for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Mission Impossible.
Tōpuni sites
In the mountains at the head of Whakatipu-wai-Māori lie Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Te Koroka (Dart/Slip Stream). Both are important to Ngāi Tahu for their cultural, spiritual, historic, and traditional associations.
As part of the Deed of Settlement between the Crown and Ngāi Tahu, these two areas have been given the status of Tōpuni.
The concept of Tōpuni comes from the Ngāi Tahu custom of persons of rangatira (chiefly) status, extending their mana (power and authority) and protection over areas or people by placing their cloak over them or it. Tōpuni provides a very public symbol of Ngāi Tahu customary mana and rangatiratanga (chieftainship) over some of the most prominent landscape features and conservation areas in Te Waipounamu.
Tōpuni does not override or alter the existing status of the land but ensures Ngāi Tahu values are recognised, acknowledged, and provided for.
Access to Te Koroka (Dart/Slip Stream) requires a special permit.
Ngāi Tahu and Pikirakatahi
Sitting between the Rees and Dart rivers is Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi. The creation of Pikirakatahi relates in time to Te Waka o Aoraki, and the efforts of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa.
It is said that during the formation of Pikirakatahi, a wedge of pounamu was inserted into this mountain. This is the highest and most prominent peak in this range.
The mountain is also linked to the travels of Rākaihautū. He dug out the great lakes of the interior with his kō (a tool like a spade), known as Tū Whakaroria and later renamed Tuhiraki at the end of the expedition.
Pikirakatahi was of crucial significance to the many generations that journeyed to that end of Whakatipu-wai-māori and beyond. Pikirakatahi stands as kaitiaki (guardian) over the pounamu resource and marks the end of a trail.
The tupuna (ancestors) had considerable knowledge of whakapapa, traditional trails, places for gathering kai (food) and other taonga. Also, ways in which to use the resources of the land, the relationship of people with the land and their dependence on it. And tikanga for the proper and sustainable utilisation of resources. All these values remain important to Ngāi Tahu today.
Natural history
The Rees and Dart valleys are surrounded by towering mountains made of green and grey schist and have been shaped by glaciation.
The Dart Glacier is now a small valley glacier. At its peak it was part of an enormous system that ended at Kingston, 135 km away at the southern end of Whakatipu-wai-māori (Lake Whakatipu). Huge moraine walls beyond Dart Hut show the previous extent of the glacier and how much it has receded in the past few hundred years.
Native plants
The forest is full of southern beech species, with tawhairaunui/red beech growing along the warm valley floor of the Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu. Tawhairauriki/mountain beech and tawhai/silver beech dominate the rest of the Rees and Dart valleys.
Cold air from the Dart Glacier has lowered the treeline in the Dart valley to 900 m (200 m lower than elsewhere in the region). Above the tree-line, tussock grasslands dominate with flowering spikes of speargrass or Spaniard dotted between. Flowering herbs like mountain buttercups and daisies are common int the spring and summer.
Native animals
The Dart valley is notable for its populations of the endangered mohua/yellowhead, kākā and pekapeka/longtailed bat. Other forest birds such as kākāriki/New Zealand parakeet, kakaruai/South Island robin, miromiro/tomtit, pīwakawaka/fantail and pīpipi/brown creeper thrive in both valleys.
The cheeky alpine kea is also a significant valley inhabitant, along with the pūtakitaki/paradise shelduck, which is found on the river flats. Mātuhituhi/rock wren can be heard, if not seen, on the Rees Saddle and kōwhiowhio/whio/blue duck may be seen in the turbulent upper reaches of the rivers.
There are many invertebrates. Especially the abundant sandfly in the beech forest and grassy flats, and energetic grasshoppers in the alpine areas. Alpine wētā are found at the Rees Saddle and in the upper Dart valley.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 442 7935 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
50 Stanley Street Queenstown 9300 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 811 Queenstown 9348 |
| Full office details | |