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Paradise, Glenorchy
63 km
30 hours
2089 metres
If you are looking for a tramp that truly defines the rugged, cinematic beauty of the New Zealand wilderness, the Rees and Dart Track is likely at the top of your list. Located in the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park, just past the aptly named settlement of Paradise near Glenorchy, this 63-kilometre journey is a classic South Island adventure. It is a challenging, multi-day circuit (though technically a point-to-point) that takes you through two massive glacial valleys, over a high alpine pass, and deep into the heart of some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.
This isn’t a casual Sunday stroll. With an elevation gain of over 2,000 metres and a "hard" difficulty rating, it is a mission that demands respect, preparation, and a good level of fitness. But for those who take on the challenge, the rewards are immense: ancient beech forests, sprawling tussock flats, turquoise glacier-fed rivers, and the kind of mountain views that make you feel very small in the best possible way.
The journey begins with a walk through wide, open river flats and sections of active private farmland. You’ll find yourself looking up at the towering peaks of the Forbes Mountains, feeling the scale of the landscape right from the start. As you move further up the Rees Valley, the track alternates between grassy flats and sections of beech forest, where the air is cool and smells of damp moss and earth.
The real heart-starter is the ascent to the Rees Saddle. Standing at 1,471 metres, this is the highest point of the track and the physical climax of the trip. The climb is steady and demanding, but as you break out of the bushline into the exposed alpine zone, the views open up in every direction. Standing on the saddle, you can look back down the Rees and forward into the snowy, jagged peaks that frame the head of the Dart Valley.
The descent into the Dart Valley is steep and requires careful footwork, especially as you navigate the rocky terrain around Snowy Creek. From here, the character of the walk changes. The Dart Valley is arguably even more dramatic, with the massive Dart River carving its way through the valley floor. You’ll navigate around Sandy Bluff, where the track clings to the hillside above the roaring river, providing some of the most exhilarating (and slightly exposed) moments of the trip. The final leg through the lower Dart is a long but beautiful meander through lush forest and river terraces, eventually leading you to the finish line at Chinaman’s Bluff.
Parking is available at both trailheads: Muddy Creek (Rees Valley start) and Chinaman's Bluff (Dart Valley end). Both access roads are unsealed and involve crossing several fords, which can become impassable after heavy rain or snowmelt, even for 4WD vehicles. It is advisable to check weather forecasts before leaving your vehicle for extended periods. Parking at both car parks is free. Due to the point-to-point nature of the track and the distance between trailheads, shuttle services operate from Queenstown and Glenorchy during the main season, offering convenient transport options.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
15km away
A beloved local institution in Glenorchy, offering delicious homemade food, pies, great coffee, and a range of groceries perfect for pre-hike supplies or post-hike treats. They are famous for their 'Full Monty' sundaes.
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Point to point
The Rees Valley trailhead is at Muddy Creek, and the Dart Valley trailhead is at Chinaman’s Bluff. Both are located past Glenorchy, about an hour and a half drive from Queenstown. The roads are unsealed and involve crossing several fords. These fords are notorious; after heavy rain or during the spring snowmelt, they can become completely impassable, even for high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
Parking: Free parking is available at both ends, but because the trailheads are far apart, most people find it much easier to book a shuttle service. Local operators run regularly from Glenorchy and Queenstown during the tramping season. This saves you the headache of vehicle recovery or worrying about your car being cut off by a rising river while you’re mid-tramp.
In the 1860s, the area saw a flurry of European activity during the Otago Gold Rush. Miners braved the harsh conditions to search for gold in the riverbeds; you can still see the remains of a gold dredge on the Dart River, a testament to the grit of those early explorers. Following the gold fever, the valleys were partitioned into massive sheep runs, some of which still operate on the lower reaches today.
The area was eventually incorporated into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage site. This recognition highlights the global significance of the region's geological history and its unique flora and fauna.
The Rees and Dart Track isn't just a walk; it’s a rite of passage for New Zealand trampers. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it will stay with you long after you’ve washed the valley mud off your boots.
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Anarhynchus frontalis
The wrybill is the only bird in the world with a bill that is bent sideways, always to the right, which it uses to probe for insect larvae under riverbed stones.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Xenicus gilviventris
This tiny, elusive native bird is one of New Zealand's two surviving wren species, found only in the high alpine zones.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Mohoua ochrocephala
The mōhua is a small, vibrant yellow-headed forest bird endemic to the South Island, typically found in mature beech forests.
Best time: Year-round
15km away
A historic country pub offering hearty gastro-pub grub, local beers, and wines. It's a great spot for a substantial meal after a long tramp, with a warm, old-world ambiance and an information centre.
15km away
Located on Mull Street in Glenorchy, Akin offers delicious coffee and home baking, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
15km away
A relatively new establishment in Glenorchy, offering authentic Italian coffee, fresh baking, and cabinet food during the day. In the evenings, Mr Glen's Tap House serves craft beers, cocktails, tapas, and burgers.