Ruth Flat Track

Ruth Flat Track is a remote, unformed out-and-back from Camerons Flat through Junction Flat and Bledisloe Gorge. The documented legs total 15.5 km one way, or 31 km (19.3 miles) return. The route ends on the true-left riverbank where Ruth Flat comes into view across the East Branch; it does not cross the river into Ruth Flat. Published segment times imply roughly 14–19 hours of walking for the return, so plan an overnight rather than treating it as a day walk.

From the car park, walk upstream to find a safe ford across the Matukituki River. The route follows broad grassy flats across leasehold land, crosses Glacier Burn by bridge, then continues on the true-right bank of the East Matukituki through beech forest to Junction Flat. Allow about 3–4 hours for this 9.5 km leg. Stay on the marked line and keep away from stock; camping is not allowed before the conservation boundary.

At Junction Flat the route crosses the Kitchener River and East Branch on two three-wire bridges. It climbs steeply beside Hester Pinney Creek to the bushline, follows orange poles across tussock, then re-enters the bush and descends to a washed-out creek. Follow the East Matukituki’s true-left side to the riverbank opposite Ruth Flat. The upper 6 km takes about 4–6 hours one way; retrace the same route.

Expect mud, exposed roots, rocky scrambling and major slips on the lower approach. The upper route is steep, unformed backcountry terrain with a marked tussock crossing; the broad river valley opens into beech forest, subalpine shrubland and alpine tussock, rock and snow. The view across the river toward Ruth Flat is the route’s defining finish.

The signed Camerons Flat car park is on Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, about 48 km from Wānaka; the final 25 km is gravel. When the river is high, the alternate access is Otago Boys’ High Bridge, 2.5 km farther along the road, followed by about an hour on foot to rejoin the track. High water, heavy rain, slips, snow and strong wind can make travel unsafe or cut off the valley. This route needs advanced backcountry experience and navigation skills. Dogs are not allowed.