Wilkin Valley–East Matukituki Traverse

The Wilkin Valley–East Matukituki Traverse is a 38 km (23.6 mi) one-way route from Top Forks Hut over Rabbit Pass to Cameron Flat. The two legs are 20 km to Ruth Flat and 18 km onward to Cameron Flat, with a combined 15–19 hours of walking. This is a remote, multi-day alpine crossing for experienced trampers, not a day walk; the separate approach from Makarora to Top Forks Hut is not included in that distance.

From Top Forks Hut the route climbs and sidles above a gorge to the South Branch flats; a major slip in the gorge can be difficult to cross. Waterfall Face comes about 3–4 hours from the hut. The route climbs a snow-grass fan to ledges, then crosses a narrow sloping ledge to a ridge above the falls. The grass can be slippery even when dry, and this face is dangerously exposed. Do not attempt it when wet, windy or under snow.

Beyond the face, alpine herb fields lead to Rabbit Pass at 1,430 m. Follow the shelf east toward Mount Lois, then descend a narrow rockslide through bluffs. Its first 30 m is steep and hazardous, especially when wet; falling rock remains a concern until you are clear. Snow-grass slopes lead down to the valley floor and Ruth Flat, about 1–2 hours beyond the pass. A rock bivvy sits at the bush edge at Ruth Flat.

From Ruth Flat, the Bledisloe Gorge track starts about 20 minutes away at the foot of a bush spur. It climbs to the bushline, sidles across snow grass and returns to the forest near Hester Pinney Creek before descending to Junction Flat, 4–5 hours from Ruth Flat. Cross two three-wire bridges to the true right of the East Matukituki and continue down to Glacier Burn, about two hours farther. From there the route follows river flats to the West Matukituki crossing and Cameron Flat. After rain, the river can be impassable; a bridge about an hour upstream is the alternative when the water is too high.

Top Forks Hut is the start of the traverse, but it has no road access. The vehicle access is Wilkin Road off State Highway 6. From there, the separate 15 km walk to Kerin Forks Hut takes about 4–5 hours and involves crossings of the Makarora and Wilkin rivers; Kerin Forks to Top Forks is another 15 km and 6–8 hours. Arrange your Cameron Flat exit transport before setting out. Top Forks Hut has 16 bunks, a non-flush toilet and untreated tap water that must be boiled; bookings are required. Ruth Flat offers a rock bivvy, so carry your own food and overnight supplies.

The route crosses complex avalanche terrain, especially from May through November, and significant hazards remain year-round. It is suitable only for experienced alpine trampers; some parties use mountaineering techniques. The access crossings require river-crossing experience, and high water can stop the exit. Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park.