Falls Creek Route

Falls Creek is an expert, unformed Fiordland route for people comfortable with steep off-track travel. The marked route is an out-and-back from Christie Falls car park to the open flats at the head of the valley. Allow about four hours each way; the visitor distance is about 6.7 km (4.2 miles) return. The much harder continuation to the rock bivvy takes 6–8 hours one way and isn't included in this line or distance.

From the car park, the route climbs the leading spur on the true right bank of Falls Creek for roughly 45 minutes. The gradient then eases through silver beech toward the open flats, with the Darran Mountains closing in around the valley. Beyond the bush edge, markers become sparse and route-finding matters. Keep out of the creek bed: water levels can rise quickly after rain.

This is not a maintained track. Expect roots, slick rock, steep ground and boulder-hopping, with little shelter from Fiordland weather. Carry a map or GPS, warm waterproof layers and enough time to turn around safely. Winter and spring bring additional snow and avalanche risk. Dogs aren't allowed, and there are no facilities at the car park.

The open flats give you the best sense of the hanging valley without committing to the longer bivvy continuation. For photos, include a stretch of Falls Creek in the foreground and leave room for the Darran Mountains behind it. I'd choose this route only if a serious, unformed day in the hills is exactly what you're after.