Albert Burn Hut Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

From the mouth of the Albert Burn follow the farmed river flats into the gorge and on to the Albert Burn Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Albert Burn Hut Track in Otago, within Albert Burn Conservation Area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 6 - 8 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The first section of the valley travels through a gorge and involves crossing the river several times. An old cattle track on the 'true right' of the river climbs up through beech forest above part of this lower gorge.

As it continues up the valley, it crosses alluvial fans and bracken covered river beds before reaching large open flats; from here there is no marked track. Cross the river to the 'true left' at the high end of the last flat to reach Albert Burn Hut; situated on a small terrace at the western end. The hut is set well back from the river - don't miss it.

There’s also a good 3-4 hour trip from here to the top flat.

Getting there

The Albert Burn is a remote valley, with access by boat across Lake Wanaka or via the ‘cattle track’ from the Makarora River mouth. From the mouth of the Albert Burn follow the farmed river flats into the gorge. Don’t disturb livestock.

Know before you go

Dog access: Dogs are allowed in Albert Burn Valley, but if entering via Mt Albert Station are only allowed if prior permission has been obtained.

Bad 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.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

Be avalanche alert

Avalanches can occur in any season. Any time that snow and steep slopes are combined there is potential for an avalanche. You need to understand the risks before you visit avalanche-prone country.

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.