Motatapu Track to Fern Burn Hut

Out and back

The destination, Fern Burn Hut, is a modern 12-bunk standard Department of Conservation (DOC) hut perched on a natural terrace. Reaching it feels like a real achievement. It’s the perfect place to unlace your boots, sit on the deck, and take in the serene alpine silence. As an out-and-back trail, you’ll return the way you came, giving you a whole new perspective on those forest cascades on the way down.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The sheer variety of landscapes is the standout feature of this walk. Very few 3.5-hour hikes manage to pack in farmland, native beech forest, tumbling waterfalls, and high-alpine tussock in such a short distance.

• The Forest Cascades: The section where the track hugs the Fern Burn through the beech forest is incredibly photogenic. Keep an eye out for the moss-covered rocks and the way the light filters through the canopy onto the small waterfalls.
• The Tussock Transition: There is a specific moment when you break out of the bush and see the golden hills rolling out before you. It feels like stepping into a scene from a high-country epic.
• Fern Burn Hut: The hut itself is a highlight. Even if you aren't staying the night, it’s a great spot for a mountain lunch. The view from the terrace looking back down the valley is one of the best lunch spots in the Wānaka area.
• The "Big Country" Feel: Because this is part of the longer Motatapu Track (which eventually leads to Arrowtown), you get a sense of being part of a much larger wilderness journey.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making it a popular choice for those based in Wānaka. From the Wānaka township, follow the road toward Glendhu Bay. Once you pass the motor camp, continue onto Motatapu Road.

Drive for approximately 12–15 kilometres (about a 20-minute drive from central Wānaka). The Fern Burn carpark is located on the right-hand side of the road. It’s well-signposted, so you can’t miss it. The track entrance itself is just across the road on the left.

Pro tip: There is a long-drop toilet available at the trailhead, so it’s a good idea to make a pit stop there before you head off, as there are no other facilities until you reach the hut.

Wildlife Spotting

While the views are the main event, the birdlife along the Fern Burn is a delight for those who take the time to look and listen.

In the beech forest, you are almost guaranteed to be greeted by the Fantail (pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, flitting around to catch the insects disturbed by your boots. You’ll also hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the Bellbird (korimako) and the distinctive "tui-tui" calls of the Tūī echoing through the trees.

If you are lucky, you might spot the tiny Rifleman (titipounamu), New Zealand's smallest bird, hopping nervously along the tree trunks. High up in the tussock country near the hut, keep an ear out for the raucous "kee-aa" call of the Kea. While they are only occasional visitors to this specific section, these cheeky alpine parrots are known to frequent the higher ridges of the Motatapu.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Motatapu Track is accessible year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:

• Spring: The waterfalls are at their most thunderous thanks to snowmelt, and the alpine herbs start to flower. Be prepared for the infamous Central Otago nor'west winds, which can be quite gusty in the exposed tussock sections.
• Summer: Long daylight hours make for a relaxed pace. However, the open sections can be incredibly hot with very little shade. Start early (around 8:00 am) to beat the midday heat.
• Autumn: This is arguably the best time to visit. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and the temperatures are much more comfortable for climbing.
• Winter: A dusting of snow on the surrounding peaks makes for incredible photos. However, the track can be icy in the shaded forest sections, and the tussock slopes may have snow cover. Only attempt this in winter if you have good footwear and warm layers.

• Sturdy boots: The track is narrow and can be slippery. This isn't a walk for jandals or flimsy sneakers.
• Layers: Even in summer, the weather can change quickly in the high country. Bring a windbreaker and a warm fleece.
• Water & Food: There is no treated water until the hut (and even then, it's recommended to boil or filter it). Bring at least 1.5 litres per person.
• Sun Protection: The sun is fierce in NZ. Hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable for the exposed farm and tussock sections.

A note on accessibility: This track is not dog-friendly (to protect local wildlife and respect the surrounding farmland) and is generally not recommended for young children due to the narrow sections with steep drops in the forest.

Local & Regional Context

The area you are walking through is steeped in history. For centuries, this region was part of the Ara Tawhito—ancient trails used by Māori (specifically Kāi Tahu) as they travelled between the coast and the inland lakes for seasonal food gathering and the trade of pounamu (greenstone).

Later, in the 19th century, the Motatapu Valley became a hub for high-country pastoral farming and was even touched by the gold rush era. The Motatapu Track itself was developed as part of a significant conservation and public access initiative, famously involving the lease of the land by singer Shania Twain, which ensured permanent public access through these majestic private stations.

Today, the track is a vital link in the Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3,000km trail that spans the length of the country. When you walk to Fern Burn Hut, you are walking a small piece of a trail that people travel from all over the world to complete.

After the Walk

There is no better way to finish a Central Otago tramp than with a bit of local hospitality. On your way back toward Wānaka, make sure to stop at the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp & Cafe.

Located just 3km from the trailhead, this is a classic Kiwi spot. The cafe offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere that is very welcoming to dusty hikers. It’s the perfect place to grab a flat white, a cold drink, or a cheeky ice cream while looking out over the blue waters of Lake Wānaka. If you’ve worked up a real appetite, their basic cafe fare and snacks hit the spot perfectly before the short drive back into town.

It’s the ideal ending to a day spent exploring one of Wānaka’s most beautiful high-country valleys.