Hike East Matukituki Valley Tracks, Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

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The East Matukituki Valley provides interesting day walks and access to several demanding tramping and climbing routes in Mount Aspiring National Park.  The main track up the East Branch of the Matukituki River provides several options. It connects with a side track to the Glacier Burn, and continues up the river to Junction Flat. From Junction Flat there's a side route to the Kitchener Valley and Rock of Ages Biv. There is also the option of the route up the true left of the river's East Branch to Ruth Flat and a traverse over the range to the Wilkin Valley. This should only be attempted by experienced parties. The grassy river flats are leasehold farm land. Respect this and do not disturb the stock. Cameron Flat to Glacier Burn Time:  4 hr return Distance: 10 km Ford the Matukituki River at Cameron Flat. If the river is high use the Otago Boys High Bridge, one hour upstream on the river's West Branch. Beyond the old Mount Aspiring Station homestead the track passes through beech forest, climbs to a saddle and descends to the Glacier Burn. The track leads up the burn's true right, before the bridge, There are spectacular bluffs and waterfalls at the head of the valley, though there is no formed track beyond the river. Cameron Flat to Rock of Ages Biv Time: 8 hr Distance: 24 km  Cameron Flat to Junction Flat Time: 5 hr return Distance: 19 km After reaching and crossing the Glacier Burn the track runs parallel to the East Branch to reach Junction Flat and the Kitchener River. Expect muddy sections and several major slips to cross. Junction Flat to Rock of Ages Biv Time: 3 hr return Distance: 5 km This track follows the true right of the Kitchener River and climbs an old unstable slip which is narrow with a drop off on one side. Markers are known to move because of slips and care is required when crossing this section. The track passes through beech forest to the top of the gorge. There are spectacular views of the Kitchener Cirque from Aspiring Flat. The Rock of Ages rock biv is 30 minutes past Aspiring Flat, 20 metres above the flats and in bush near the head of the flats.

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