Foreign owners paid for the construction of this track and the huts that en route in accordance with Overseas Investment Office conditions of approval of the sale of the Motatapu and Mt Soho Station pastoral leases. The track was opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2008.
The track is well marked but exposed and follows a demanding line. DOC’s published information on the track warns:
- Due to the exposed nature of the Motatapu Alpine Track and its physically challenging terrain, it is only suitable for experienced trampers.
- Several steep sidles require care, and tramping times should be adjusted for those not confident in this type of country.
- The climate is typically Central Otago. Very hot, dry conditions are common in summer.
- Carry plenty of water, as water sources are limited, and ensure adequate protection against the sun.
- Wintry conditions can occur at any time of the year, with the higher country subject to snow, especially during winter.
- Be prepared by having warm, windproof clothing and appropriate footwear.
Many trampers will wish to add an extra day to the tramp to walk through to Arrowtown on Te Araroa’s next section, the Big Hill Track.
Fern Burn carpark to Fern Burn Hut (3 -4 hr, 7 km)
The first section, on formed track and through to the Fern Burn Hut, is the easiest part of the Motatapu Alpine Track.
From the carpark the track begins through deer paddocks on the Fern Burn’s true right and enters remnant beech forest at the Stack Conservation Area boundary. The track then traverses the length of the burn-side beech forest strip.
When the track breaks out of the forest section it enters tussock country. The gradient steepens but the track remains benched through to the Fern Burn Hut (12 bunks).
Fern Burn Hut to Highland Creek Hut (4 -5 hours, 6 km)
From the hut the track follows marker poles further up the Fern Burn and on to Jack Halls Saddle (1275m). On clear days there are return views to Lake Wanaka.
Beyond the saddle the track descends a ridge to a creek crossing. The remainder of the section involves sidles and ridge walking towards the Highland Creek catchment and Highland Creek Hut, located within an impressive high country basin.
Highland Creek Hut to Roses Hut (5 -6 hours, 11 km)
This is the most demanding section of the track. It involves 2 major climbs and descents. The first involves a memorable climb up a steep spur then sidles to vantage points that provide good views of the Motatapu Valley. A long descent takes trampers down to a creek within a strip of remnant beech forest. A long climb immediately follows up towards a major ridge off Knuckle Peak. From here travel is down the ridgeline to the Motatapu River. Ford the river then cross valley floor to Roses Hut (12 bunks).
Roses Hut to Macetown (5 – 6 hours 10 km)
The track from the hut continues to follow marker poles. It crosses a small creek and climbs 470m up the ridge to a point at 1270m, above and east of Roses Saddle. From this high point the track descends to the Arrow River.
If the Arrow River is at normal to low flows then travel is quicker within the river bed all the way down to Macetown. An alternatively route to Macetown follows the directional sign and markers on a high water track, which sidles above the river’s true left bank. Note: trampers on the high water track still need to ford the Arrow River to reach Macetown so come prepared to wait out a flooded river as need be.
Macetown has a population of zero. This historic gold mining town is now a small collection of buildings and ruins. There are toilets here and camping is permitted. Vehicle access to Macetown is by a 15 km 4WD, which fords the river upwards of 20 times on its way to Arrowtown.
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