Cameron Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Starting from Cameron Creek car park, this technical and challenging tramp climbs above an impressive gorge and through native forest to the 4-bunk Cameron Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Cameron Track in Otago, within Makarora area / Mount Aspiring National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 7 km one way
• Walking time: 5 - 6 hr one way
• 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.

• Predator control for Mt Aspiring National Park; First published on 16 September 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This is a challenging backcountry tramping track. It is steep, narrow and has drop-offs beside the track. There is lots of scrambling required up and down tree roots and rocky sections.

Although the distance is only 7 km, the track takes 5-6 hours to walk due to technical terrain and many ascents and descents.

The Cameron Valley’s entrance is a spectacular gorge with towering bluffs and a cascading waterfall.

The track starts from the Cameron Creek carpark and climbs up through a series of small bluffs before sidling around above the gorge – some parts are steep and exposed.

After the gorge the track traverses across a large slip to the river, one of several slips in this valley. This is about two hours from the carpark.

The track crosses the river here. There is no bridge and the river can be impassable during or after rain – check the weather forecast for both your outward and return hike. In spring, snow melt may cause the river to be impassable even in dry weather. Be ready to turn back and carry extra food for delays.

After crossing the river, the track re-enters the forest about 20 m downstream. It climbs steadily, then sidles along the side of the valley, dropping twice to the riverbed and climbing again, before descending to the south branch of Cameron's Creek and a grassy river flat. The marked track ends here.

Cameron Hut is on the true left at the southern end of the flat. There are only four bunks and the hut can be busy in summer, so we recommend carrying a tent.

Getting there

This track starts at the Cameron Lookout carpark. It is on the Haast Highway (SH6), 70 km north of Wānaka.

Know before you go

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

Cameron Track in winter

Expect slippery and muddy conditions in winter, and sometimes snow. Take extra care.

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.