Glacier Burn Track (Matukituki Valley): Time & Access

Route overview

This tramping track provides a route into Glacier Burn valley.

This DOC directory entry covers Glacier Burn Track in Otago, within Matukituki Valley 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 4–6 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

Ford the Matukituki River at Camerons Flat. Walk upstream from the car park to find a suitable crossing point. If the river is high, drive 2.5 km further along the road towards Raspberry Creek and park by the Otago Boys' High Bridge at MacPherson Creek. Use the bridge to cross the West Matukituki and walk for an hour to join the East Matukituki track.

The track leads up the East Matukituki valley, passing the old Mount Aspiring Station homestead by Homestead Creek. The grassy river flats are leasehold farmland, do not disturb the stock.

Continue up the valley, then turn off onto Glacier Burn Track just before the bridge over Glacier Burn. The track is mostly well-formed but is steep in places and can be slippery after rain.

The track passes through beech forest, climbing to a small saddle and then descending to the Glacier Burn. The track ends when it reaches the river and there is no marked track beyond this point. Route-finding skills and backcountry experience are necessary if continuing off-track beyond this point.

Note: Camerons Flat where this track starts is on Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road and is different to Cameron Flat near Makarora on SH6 between Wānaka and Haast. There is also a different Glacier Burn Track in the Glenorchy area near Lake Wakatipu.

Mountain biking

Bikes are allowed from Camerons Flat to the boundary of Mount Aspiring National Park, at the turn off for the Glacier Burn Track.

Getting there

This track starts on the opposite side of the Matukituki River from Camerons Flat.

Camerons Flat is a one-hour drive from Wānaka on the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road. The last 25 km is gravel. The turn-off to the Camerons Flat car park, on the right, is signposted. The Otago Boys' High Bridge at MacPherson Creek is a further 2.5 km along the road.

Know before you go

Weather and flooding

Unpredictable weather patterns mean that snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of year.

Check the forecast and pack gear for all conditions.

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

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.

Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land

• Leave gates as you find them

• Use stiles where provided

• Keep your distance from livestock.

Dogs

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

Swing bridges

There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached.

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.