Wilkin Valley Track to Kerin Forks Hut

Wilkin Valley Track to Kerin Forks Hut is a 15 km, one-way point-to-point walk from Wilkin Road, with 4–5 hours listed for the journey. It drops to the Makarora River, then follows the true left of the Wilkin through rough, undulating forest before opening at Dans Flat and the broad river flats. Kerin Forks Hut sits across the Wilkin near the Siberia Stream confluence. This entry covers the lower road-to-hut leg; the route onward to Top Forks is a separate section. The track is graded advanced. Distance, rough footing and two serious river crossings make it a full backcountry commitment, so plan your overnight or return transport before leaving the road.

You must cross the Makarora near the start, watching for soft sand, then choose a suitable point to cross the Wilkin to reach the hut. Neither crossing is bridged. Both rivers can be too high to cross, especially after rain; only parties experienced in river-crossing should attempt them, and waiting may be necessary. Do not treat the listed walking time as a safe window for pushing through high water. The road-side approach crosses pastoral lease. Keep to the walking route rather than treating the surrounding farm as open access, and confirm any access restrictions and vehicle parking with Mt Albert Station before setting out.

The lower valley track undulates through forest and is rough in places. After Dans Flat, the walk continues across open river flats, with braided gravel channels below steep forested slopes. The changing feel of the valley is the payoff: shaded, uneven footing gives way to a broad open landscape. Keep the planned line on the true left of the Wilkin until the final crossing to the hut.

The serviced hut has 10 bunks, heating, mattresses, toilets and tap water that is not treated. Book a bed ahead and bring your sleeping bag, stove and fuel, cookware, toilet paper and rubbish bag. Jetboat transport operates in the Kerin Forks area, but it must be arranged before the trip. Dogs are not allowed.

Māori from coastal Otago and Southland travelled to inland lakes to hunt moa, kākāpō and weka and fish, camping in the Makarora Valley. The name Kaika Paekai means “place of abundant food.” Ice-age glaciers shaped the steep valley walls; the rocks of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana began as sand and mud on the seafloor more than 220 million years ago.