Wilkin Valley tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

These tracks follow the upper reaches of the Wilkin Valley and can be treated as a separate tramping trip or connect with, say, the Gillespie Circuit. It can also lead to a route to the Matukituki Valley.

This DOC directory entry covers Wilkin Valley tracks in Otago, within 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: 4–5 days
• 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

Wilkin Road to Kerin Forks Hut

Time: 4–5 hrDistance: 15 km

From Wilkin Road off SH6 make your way down to the Makarora River and cross with care, watching for soft sand. The Wilkin Valley Track is located on the true left of the Wilkin River.

It is rough in places in the lower valley as it undulates through the forest before reaching Dans Flat and continuing up valley on open river flats.

Kerin Forks Hut is located on the true right of the Wilkin, near its confluence with Siberia Stream. Trampers will need to pick a suitable point to cross the Wilkin River to the hut.

Warning: Crossing the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers should only be attempted by parties with river-crossing experience. Be prepared to wait if the rivers are too high to cross.

How to cross a river safely.

Kerin Forks Hut to Top Forks Hut

Time: 6 to 8 hrDistance: 15 km

The track begins behind the Kerin Forks Hut, passing through beech/tawhai forest beside the Wilkin River and over several slips and steep-sided ravines that require care. It emerges at Wonderland flats, a good lunch stop halfway between the two huts.

At the end of Wonderland flats the track re-enters the forest, then climbs and sidles above the river before descending to the Jumboland flats. From here the route is unmarked – follow the river flats to the junction of the north and south branches.

When the river is low, an unmarked river route follows the true right, fording the river several times before reaching flats near the hut. If the river is high, follow track markers leading over a hill.

The Top Forks Hut (600 m above sea level) is above the junction, on the true right of the river’s south branch.

Top Forks Hut to North Branch

Times:

• Lake Diana: 1 hr

• Lake Lucidus: 1 hr 30 min

• Lake Castalia: 3–4 hr

The North Branch is an excellent day trip. The track crosses the South Branch in front of the Top Forks Hut and follows the North Branch. Most of this section requires boulder hopping – slippery if wet – then crosses a small side stream that can be tricky to ford.

The track enters the forest and climbs a predominant spur between the side stream and the North Branch to emerge at a small lake, the Disappearing Tarn. Five minutes further, just south of the track, Lake Diana nestles in sub alpine vegetation. Lake Lucidus, a spectacular moraine lake, is 20 minutes away across the grasslands.

The track to Lake Castalia branches off the Lake Lucidus track just beyond the boardwalk. It crosses the outlet stream, then the North Branch, to climb through alpine vegetation then re-cross the North Branch to a snow grass terrace leading to Lake Castalia’s outlet. Take care scrambling over loose rock in the last 200 m.

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

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.

No visitor centre in Makarora

Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.

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.