Daleys Flat Campsite

Daleys Flat Campsite is a grassy tenting area on the lawn outside the 20-bunk Daleys Flat Hut, in the beech-lined Rees Valley. It suits trampers who need a place to camp on the route; it is not a road-accessible campground. The usual approach from Chinamans car park is 16 km and 5.5–7.5 hours on foot. Check current track access before planning that walk.

Campers may use the hut’s water supply and toilets, the only facilities available to them at the campsite. The water is untreated, so treat it before drinking. You’ll need to carry your meals: there’s no food for sale on the track. An online booking is required during the campsite season, 21 November to 30 April. Dogs aren’t allowed.

The Rees and Dart valleys were traditional Ngāi Tahu travel routes for mahinga kai, or food gathering, and pounamu trading. The routes linked Whakatipu-wai-Māori (Lake Whakatipu) with Whakatipu Waitai (Martins Bay). Here, grassy flats open between beech forest and high, glaciated schist mountains. Sandflies are abundant in both the forest and the flats, so bring repellent.