Rees and Dart Track

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features While the entire 63km is a highlight reel, there are a few standout moments you simply can’t miss:

• The Rees Saddle: This is the ultimate "photo op." On a clear day, the 360-degree views of the Southern Alps are unparalleled. It’s the perfect place to drop your pack, catch your breath, and realise why you put yourself through the 2,000-metre climb.
• Side Trip to the Dart Glacier: If you have an extra day or are making good time, the side trip from Dart Hut to the base of the Dart Glacier is highly recommended. It offers a front-row seat to the raw power of New Zealand’s glaciated landscape.
• Cascade Saddle (Advanced only): For very experienced trampers with high-level navigation skills, the Cascade Saddle provides a link to the Matukituki Valley. Note: this is a notorious section and should only be attempted in perfect weather by those with alpine experience.
• Film Locations: Keep your eyes peeled for landscapes that look suspiciously like Middle-earth. This region was used extensively for filming The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. You’ll easily see why Peter Jackson chose these valleys to represent the epic scale of fantasy worlds.
• The Glacial Rivers: The colour of the Dart River—a milky, crystalline blue—is caused by "rock flour" from the glaciers. It’s a stunning natural phenomenon that looks different in every light.

Getting There The Rees and Dart Track is a point-to-point trail, meaning you start at one valley and end in another. This requires a bit of logistical planning.

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.

Wildlife Spotting Mount Aspiring National Park is a haven for native birdlife. Because you’ll be moving from river flats to high alpine basins, the variety of birds is fantastic.

• Kea: These cheeky, highly intelligent alpine parrots are almost guaranteed to visit you, especially around Shelter Rock Hut or the Dart Hut. Keep a very close eye on your gear—they are famous for "sampling" (shredding) boots, packs, and tent flies!
• Whio (Blue Duck): These rare, white-water specialists live in the fast-flowing mountain streams. Listen for their distinctive whistling call near the river sections.
• Pūtakitaki (Paradise Shelduck): You’ll see these large, vocal ducks throughout the river flats. They are often seen in pairs and will let out a loud honk to warn others of your arrival.
• Mātuhituhi (Rock Wren): If you are quiet and observant while crossing the Rees Saddle, you might spot the tiny, bobbing Rock Wren among the boulders. They are New Zealand's only true alpine bird and are quite rare.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and Mōhua (Yellowhead): In the beech forests of the lower valleys, the friendly Pīwakawaka will often follow you to catch the insects you stir up, while the rare, bright yellow Mōhua can sometimes be heard chattering in the canopy.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The best time to hit the Rees and Dart is during Summer and Autumn (December to April).

• Spring: While beautiful, spring brings high river levels from snowmelt and a significant risk of avalanches on the higher sections.
• Summer: Long daylight hours are perfect for the 30-hour total walking time, but the sun is fierce—bring high-factor sunscreen and a hat.
• Autumn: This is often the "sweet spot" with stable weather, crisp mornings, and fewer sandflies.

• Start Early: The days are long, and the terrain is rugged. An early start ensures you reach the huts before they fill up and gives you a safety buffer for river crossings.
• The Huts: There are three DOC huts: Shelter Rock, Dart, and Daleys Flat. They have mattresses and heating but no cooking facilities. You must bring your own gas stove and plenty of fuel.
• Water Safety: While mountain water is generally clean, it’s always wise to treat or boil water, especially near areas where cattle might graze in the lower Rees.
• River Crossings: This track involves multiple river and side-stream crossings. If the rivers are high or it has been raining heavily, stay put. Never attempt to cross a flooded river.
• Gear: Pack for four seasons in one day. Even in mid-summer, the Rees Saddle can experience freezing temperatures and snow. A good waterproof jacket and warm layers (merino or fleece) are non-negotiable.

Local & Regional Context The Rees and Dart valleys have a history as deep as their canyons. Long before trampers arrived, these valleys were known to Māori, who ventured into the mountains in search of pounamu (greenstone) and seasonal resources.

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.

After the Walk Once you’ve emerged from the bush at Chinaman’s Bluff and hopped on your shuttle back to Glenorchy, you’re going to be hungry. Luckily, Glenorchy is home to some legendary post-hike spots:

• Mrs Woolly’s General Store: A must-visit for any tramper. Their gourmet pies are the stuff of legend, but the real prize is the "Full Monty" sundae. It’s the ultimate sugar hit to celebrate your achievement.
• The Glenorchy Hotel: If you’re after a "real" meal, this historic pub serves hearty gastro-pub fare. A burger and a cold local beer by the fireplace is the perfect way to toast to your 63km journey.
• Akin or Mr and Mrs Glen’s: For a great coffee or a quick artisan snack before the drive back to Queenstown, these local spots offer a friendly, relaxed vibe that perfectly matches the Glenorchy spirit.

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.

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.