Makarora Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Follow this challenging backcountry tramping track to the 4-bunk Makarora Hut, passing Stewart Falls along the way.

This DOC directory entry covers Makarora 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: 10.5 km from the road bridge one way
• Walking time: 7 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 tramping track which requires backcountry experience. It is technical and steep in places, with some scrambling needed, unstable slips, and fallen trees on the track. Plan plenty of time – this is not a straightforward valley walk.

The track starts on the true left of the road bridge between Kiwi Flat and Davis Flat on the Haast Highway (SH6). The track leads alongside the Makarora River towards Stewart Falls.

If the Makarora River is low, experienced hikers could cross the river at Davis Flat and join the track on the true left.

The track then climbs steeply climb beside Stewart Falls. Above the falls, the track sidles above the gorge – slippery when wet – before traversing and descending a large unstable slip to a small river flat. The route over the slip is marked with tape only and some route-finding skills are necessary.

Continue through small open flats, forest and slips to the main valley flat. From here the track is unmarked to the four-bunk Makarora Hut, about 50 minutes away. The easiest route through the unmarked section may involve crossing the river several times, provided it is low and therefore safe to do so.

The hut is located on the true left of the river at the northern end of the flat, close to the bush edge.

Getting there

The track starts at the road bridge between Kiwi Flat and Davis Flat on the Haast Highway (SH6). There is a small layby on the true left of the road bridge than can be used for parking. If this is already in use, do not park on the highway.

There is alternative parking at Davis Flat car park. However, trampers should only park there in dry conditions as this car park is in danger of being flooded and washed out during heavy rain.

Know before you go

Plan extra time

This is a steep and technical tramping track. We recommend planning plenty of time. The track takes 7 hours to walk even though it is only 10.5 km long.

Expect there to be fallen trees and branches on the track.

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.

Avalanche risk

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

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

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.