OTAGO

The valleys of the west and east branches of the Mount Aspiring National Park Your safety Matukituki River are an hour’s drive from Read the DOC publication Planning a trip in the backcountry Further information: In the West Matukituki valley, the park’s Matukituki and offer enjoyable day walks, as well as access to before you start, visit www.doc.govt.nz/planning-a- For recreation and conservation Nau mai, haere mai, boundary runs just beyond Aspiring Hut and a number of demanding tramping and climbing backcountry-trip. Make sure you choose a track that suits information, visit the DOC visitor valley tracks routes in Mount Aspiring National Park. The along the bush edge on the true left of the river. your level of fitness and experience. centre: tauti mai In the East Matukituki valley, the boundary is Mount Aspiring National Park special features of this region were recognised Follow the Outdoor Safety Code. Tititea/Mount Aspiring nationally in 1964 through the creation of the along the bush edge on the true right of the river  Plan your trip. National Park Visitor Centre Welcome to the up to Junction Flat. Remember that the true national park and internationally in 1990 with the  Tell someone your plans. 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka right of the river is the right bank when Matukituki valley establishment of Te Wāhipounamu – South West  Be aware of the weather. PO Box 93, Wanaka 9305 looking downstream. World Heritage Area.  Know your limits. PHONE: 03 443 7660  Take sufficient supplies. EMAIL: [email protected] The valley walks cross farmland and beech forest Warning: The last 33 km of the access road is Visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz for more information. www.doc.govt.nz flats, while the higher altitude routes negotiate unsealed. The last 10 km from the car park is alpine tussock grasslands and snowfields. The subject to washouts and flooded creeks and should only Your safety is your responsibility. lower grassy river flats are private farmland – be accessed in fine weather. Check the road conditions You should carry the NZTopo50 maps CA10 and CA11. please respect this and do not disturb livestock. before beginning your drive. This pamphlet is a guide only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Treat all river crossings with great care and wait if the river is too high. The terms ‘true left’ and ‘true right’ are defined by looking down the river or water flow. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in national parks. Our national parks have been preserved for their recreation values and to protect significant native flora and fauna. It is vital that habitats of threatened species are properly protected.

No unauthorised drones within Mount Aspiring National Park.

Pearl Flat. Drones can: Photo: Rochelle Richardson

• interfere with helicopters for search and rescue, fire, Published by: and operational needs Department of Conservation PO Box 93, Wanaka 9343 • cause noise, disturbing native birds and visitors. New Zealand Editing and design: DOC Creative Services Conservation House Wellington Check, Clean, Dry June 2019 Stop the spread of didymo and other This publication is produced using freshwater pests. Remember to Check, paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged Clean, Dry all items before entering, forests. and when moving between, waterways. Near Aspiring Hut, looking up the valley. Photo: Shona Sangster R152878

History Natural history Hunting and fishing Tititea, the Māori name for Mount Aspiring, means Most of the Southern You must get a permit from DOC before carrying a ‘steep peak of glistening white’. Throughout the year, Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te firearm in the park. Māori travelled from Foveaux Strait and Coastal Otago Moana started to form There are brown and rainbow trout in the Matukituki to the inland lakes to collect kākāpō, kākā, kererū/wood over 220 million years River – you will need a current fishing licence to fish pigeon and tūī from the forest. For the first 200 years of ago as sediment and here. For more information, see https://fishandgame.org.nz. Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area Māori settlement, there would also have been moa along rock lying on top of Matukituki Valley Protection Project the forest edges. volcanic rocks on the This joint partnership between the Department of Huts and camping South West New Zealand is one of the great World Heritage is a global concept that identifies seafloor. Intense heat and Conservation (DOC) and the Matukituki Charitable wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. natural and cultural sites of world significance Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu both had named settlements Aspiring Hut, which is owned by the New Zealand pressure consolidated Trust aims to minimise the threat of predators to native Alpine Club (NZAC) and managed by DOC, has a wood Known to Māori as Te Wāhipounamu (the place – places so special that protecting them is of around the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hāwea, Rifleman/tītitipounamu. the rock, which was then flora and fauna and to ensure that the valley’s original of greenstone), the South West New Zealand concern for all people. including Nehenehe (meaning forest), on the north side Photo: Michael Hamilton | burner for heating, mattresses and tank water. From uplifted to form the Main Creative Commons native wildlife is reinstated and thriving. World Heritage Area incorporates the Aoraki/ of the mouth of the Matukituki River. Several sites on late October to late April, a hut warden is in residence Some of the best examples of animals and plants Divide. During the ice ages, Mount Cook, Westland/Tai Poutini, Fiordland the lake shores have ovens for cooking cabbage tree/ and cookers and gas are provided. At all other times, that were once found on the ancient supercontinent huge glaciers filled and scoured out the valleys to give To find out more about this predator control project or and Mount Aspiring national parks, covering tī rākau roots. trampers need their own cookers and gas. Gondwana live in this World Heritage Area. the landscape we see today. how to get involved, go to www.mctrust.co.nz or 2.6 million hectares. www.doc.govt.nz, or visit the Tititea/Mount Aspiring French Ridge Hut (NZAC), Colin Todd Hut (NZAC) and Government surveyor John Turnbull Thompson was the Beech is the dominant forest type in the Matukituki National Park Visitor Centre. Liverpool Hut (DOC) have mattresses and tank water first European to see Mount Aspiring/Tititea in 1857, valley. Red beech/tawhairaunui prefer warm valley sites but no heating. French Ridge and Colin Todd huts also while James Hector was the first European to explore the and are common just below Aspiring Hut. Mountain have VHF radios. West Matukituki valley in 1862. Farming began in the beech/tawhairauriki dominate the drier, eastern end of valley in the 1870s. Trampers should leave the huts clean and tidy, and pack the valley, while silver beech/tawhai increase towards out everything that they pack in. the wetter, western end. Ferns and mosses are a feature Important note: Hut tickets for the three NZAC huts can Check, Clean, Dry of the usually open forest. Above the tree line, at about 1,100 m, stunted subalpine shrubland gives way to alpine be purchased at the DOC Visitor Centre in Wanaka or Stop the spread of didymo and other from the Aspiring Hut warden. freshwater pests. Remember to Check, tussock grasslands and fell fields. Clean, Dry all items before entering, Bookings may be needed for Aspiring and Insect-eating birds such as fantails/pīwakawaka, tomtits/ and when moving between, waterways. Liverpool huts (Dec – April). Check www.doc.govt.nz miromiro and riflemen/tītitipounamu thrive in beech for updated information. forest, and seed-eating parakeets/kākāriki are common in the red beech forest. In 2008, robins/ Camping beside all huts incurs a nightly fee. Aspiring kakaruai were released into the valley to re-establish Hut has a designated camping area with a shelter the species in this area. Paradise shelducks/pūtakitaki and toilet – hut facilities are not available to campers. are a conspicuous and noisy feature of the river flats, Liverpool Hut has limited space for camping. Campers at and spur-winged plovers and oystercatchers/tōrea are other huts can use the hut facilities. common on farmland and along the drive from Wanaka Camping elsewhere within the park boundary is allowed in the summer. under the following conditions. • Camp at least 200 m away from tracks (this may be difficult in places due to steep slopes or thick bush) • Follow the Leave No Trace principles. This includes burying toilet waste well away from any water sources Heading up the valley. Photo: Nicole McCrossin or carrying it out. Matukituki valley. Photo: Nicole McCrossin r e The track enters the bush near Aspiring Hut. After 10 This route can be accessed from the Dart, Rees and West i v West Matukituki valley R r min, a bridge crosses Cascade Creek and a 1-km-long Matukituki valleys. For safety reasons it is recommended ¯ e v Note: All times and distances are one way unless section of bush emerges onto an open terrace leading to that trampers begin from the Matukituki side. If the a i t R Ruth Shovel Flat. From the head of Shovel Flat you will pass route is attempted in reverse (from the Dart valley), the h a otherwise stated. w Flat a ra through 400 m of bush before reaching Pearl Flat. pylon and orange-poled route MUST be located before A r a i p Raspberry Creek car park to descending into the Matukituki valley. This section of the a W Aspiring Hut Pearl Flat to head of the valley route is much more difficult to go down than up. Colin Todd 2 hr–2 hr 30 min, 9 km 2 hr, 3.2 km B o Hut (NZAC) Mount Cascade Saddle to Dart Hut n Aspiring/Tititea The tramp to Aspiring Hut, 411 m above sea level Warning: This track passes through ‘complex’ a # h 4–5 hr, 10 km r c (a.s.l.), mainly passes over grassed flats with a couple avalanche terrain from the bridge at the beginning G n a l a r of easily negotiated small bluffs that offer great views of Liverpool Track to the head of the valley; refer to Warning: This route passes through ‘complex’ c i e B of the valley – please leave farm gates as you find them. www.avalanche.net.nz if planning a trip in this area avalanche terrain; refer to www.avalanche.net.nz if r t Rock of s The historic Cascade Hut (NZAC, locked) can be seen between May and November. a planning a trip in this area between May and November. Aspiring Ages Biv from the last bluff. The 33-bunk Aspiring Hut is 20 min A E From the top of Pearl Flat the track enters the bush on the Flats r a Scotts beyond this hut. Follow the orange poles along the ridge and then the Mount K i t c e r Junction true right of the river. Cross the Liverpool swing bridge w h e i v r h Barff Rock Biv n e r R rock cairns down the steep and unstable slopes to the a # e Flat and after 10 min cross the French Ridge swing bridge to ta iv e r Mount R 2252 v Rob Roy Track valley floor and lateral moraines of the Dart Glacier. The Avalanche i the beginning of the French Ridge Track. After climbing # R descent from the ridge to the valley floor is over 1,500 m 2606 3–4 hr, 10 km (return) 100 m, a track branches off to the left and sidles through i and very exposed to the weather. k beech forest before reaching open scrubby country. u t Warning: This track passes through ‘simple’ French Ridge i Scotts Rock Biv is about 500 m upstream from this point Mount Stay on the true left bank of the Dart River/Te Awa Liverpool Hut (NZAC) k avalanche terrain to the Lower Lookout followed Liverpool# u and 50 m from the river. This small and not entirely Whakatipu – the left side looking downriver. You will t by ‘complex’ avalanche terrain from the Lower Lookout 2482 Hut a waterproof rock shelter is marked with a cairn on top. need to ford several side streams – take particular care Pearl to the end of the track; refer to www.avalanche.net.nz if Flat Gl M with streams further down the valley close to Dart Hut, Rob Roy ac ier B u r n planning a trip in this area between May and Note: The route beyond the head of the valley to Bevan D Peak a # as the water level can rise quickly with rain or afternoon Shovel November. Col is for experienced trampers and climbers only. r 2644 snow melt. t Flat y G l a c i e r G R o k The valley is a good entry point to an area of spectacular b e l R o u a g h o e alpine scenery, snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs Aspiring Hut to Cascade Saddle Slightly upstream from the confluence of the Dart River Cr R r c e e Mount k m C i a and waterfalls. A swing bridge located 15 min from the 4–5 hr, 6 km and Snowy Creek, a bridge crosses the creek and leads to e e l Edward r r l Raspberry Creek car park crosses the Matukituki River Dart Hut. # Aspiring t i 2620 S Warning: Multiple fatalities have occurred on this M West Branch downstream from the Rob Roy Stream Cascade Saddle Campsite y route so make sure Information on other routes leading from the Dart o junction. After crossing the bridge, the track climbs Aspiring you have the right skills Hut is available in the Rees–Dart Track brochure. 1524 R Camerons Hut (NZAC) b through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine M Lower o Flat and equipment. Be Visit www.doc.govt.nz/reesdart. Lookout vegetation at the head of the valley where there are good a R prepared to turn back if t views of the Rob Roy Glacier. u h conditions are k i c Aspiring Hut to Liverpool Hut Cascade Hut t u ra n unfavourable – failure to k i i v e r B Shotover Saddle Route 3–4 hr, 6 km (NZAC - locked) R We s t

make good decisions Mount J 3 hr, 2 km J while attempting this Warning: Tussock and rock can be treacherous #Ansted Brides Veil Waterfall traverse may result in 2388 Warning: This route passes through ‘complex’ and slippery when wet or covered in snow. Raspberry Creek serious injury or death. avalanche terrain; refer to www.avalanche.net.nz if Shotover Car park From Pearl Flat, cross the swing bridge at Liverpool Saddle planning a trip in this area between May and November. This route is an alpine The route up to Dart Hut Stream. The track to the 10-bunk Liverpool Hut 1154 Walking track crossing and should not Cascade Saddle. Dart Hut Just past the prominent Brides Veil Waterfall on the Photo: Rochelle (1,100 m a.s.l.) is a steep and often slippery climb to the er Tramping track to be attempted in bad Richardson Ri v Campsite Campsite valley floor, a sign indicates the start of a marked route bushline. Above the bush, the track initially leads across t ! ! ! ! ! Route weather. Steep snow a r that follows a leading ridge up towards the Shotover steep, exposed shingle, rock and tussock terrain before D Car park grass slopes can be very slippery when wet or covered Gravel road Saddle. The route initially negotiates patches of bracken bearing left up an easier tussock slope to reach a knoll Shelter with snow or ice. Sudden storms with snow affect this Avalanche areas before reaching higher tussock slopes. Just below the overlooking the hut. Note: Do not sidle across to the hut Toilet Public conservation land saddle, a shelf with a large tarn makes an easier finish to area, even in summer. In early summer, crampons below this knoll when the hut is first sighted. ! and an ice axe may be required. This route is not s Riv e r I Rock bivvy the saddle for magnificent views of the West Matukituki R e e and Rob Roy valleys. recommended in winter or spring. The Cascade Saddle Route passes through ‘complex’ Aspiring Hut to French Ridge Hut Venturing beyond the saddle requires navigational skills avalanche terrain; refer to www.avalanche.net.nz if 4–5 hr, 7.2 km as there is no marked route. Prior permission is required planning a trip in this area between May and November. from Branches Station to exit via the Shotover River. Warning: The upper part of the French Ridge Track grades Signposted from Aspiring Hut, the track climbs steadily Track is very exposed and can be treacherous in East Matukituki valley Junction Flat to Aspiring Flats This route crosses private land so please keep to the up through mixed beech forest. Above the bushline, the bad weather. Easy tramping track 1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km route and respect the landowner’s property. track becomes a route and is marked with orange poles Well-formed track for comfortable overnight Cameron Flat to Glacier Burn From Pearl Flat, ford the river to the east bank or cross Follow the true right of the Kitchener River. After that follow a steep snow grass and tussock ridge with a tramping/hiking. 2 hr, 5 km from river crossing; or Closed for lambing 17 October – 7 November. few rocky outcrops and ledges to negotiate. It reaches the Liverpool Stream swing bridge and continue 10 climbing an old slip, pass through beech forest to the top Tramping track 3 hr, 7 km from Otago Boys High swing bridge the pylon at the top of the ridge (1,835 m a.s.l.) via a steep min further up the valley where a second swing bridge of the gorge. The Rock of Ages bivouac is 30 min past Mostly unformed but with track directional Aspiring Hut to Pearl Flat and narrow gully that holds snow for much of the year. provides access across the river. After crossing Pearl Cross the Matukituki River near Cameron Flat. If the Aspiring Flat, 20 m into the bush on the true right near markers, poles or cairns. Backcountry 1 hr 30 min, 5 km After the pylon, follow the poles down to Cascade Creek, Flat, the track enters the bush and climbs steeply all the river is high, use the Otago Boys High swing bridge, the head of the flats (NZTopo50 Sheet CA11 651 738). skills and experience required. and cross the creek to the easy slopes and flats leading way to the ridge – with narrow cuttings and creek beds which is a 1-hr walk (2 km) upstream. Cross the grassy Warning: This track passes through ‘challenging’ to negotiate in the subalpine zone. From here, follow to Cascade Saddle (1,524 m a.s.l.). The route to the valleys Route flats to Glacier Burn and deviate left before the bridge. Junction Flat to Ruth Flat avalanche terrain between Rough Creek (just of the Dart River/Te Awa Whakatipu and the Rees River the gentle tussock slopes for about 1 km. The 20-bunk Unformed, suitable only for people with The track leads up the burn’s true right. There are 4–6 hr, 6 km beyond Aspiring Hut) and the intersection with veers off to the left, just before the saddle. French Ridge Hut (1,480 m a.s.l.) is on flattish ground, high-level backcountry skills and experience. spectacular bluffs and waterfalls at the head of the valley, Liverpool Track. Refer to www.avalanche.net.nz if just below the normal summer snowline of around though no formed track exists beyond the river. Cross the Kitchener River and the Matukituki River East planning a trip in this area between May and November. 1,500 m a.s.l. Branch at Junction Flat – both have three-wire bridges. Cameron Flat to Junction Flat On the true left of the Matukituki River East Branch, follow a marked track by Hester Pinney Creek that leads 3–4 hr, 9.5 km steeply up to the bushline. The route across the tussock The first section of this track follows the grassy flats to slopes is marked by orange snow poles until it re-enters Glacier Burn. After crossing the bridge at Glacier Burn, the bush and descends to a large washed-out creek. continue on the true right of the Matukituki River East Follow the river’s true left until Ruth Flat can be seen on Branch through beech forest, crossing a second swing the other side. bridge to Junction Flat. Further information on the Wilkin River–East Matukituki Traverse can be found in the Gillespie Pass, Wilkin valley tracks brochure. Note: This route is for experienced trampers only.

Aspiring Hut. Photo: Rochelle Richardson French Ridge Hut. Photo: Nicole McCrossin