West Matakitaki Track to Bobs Hut

West Matakitaki Track to Bobs Hut is an out-and-back from the West Matakitaki River three-wire bridge to an eight-bunk hut on a broad river flat. The mapped walk is about 3.3 km each way, or 4.1 miles round trip; allow around four hours for the return. It suits trampers already on this remote part of the Matakitaki valley and prepared for a river crossing at the end, rather than anyone looking for a roadside stroll.

Cross the walkwire to the true left bank, then climb sharply to about 800 m. After that, a defined track rises and falls beneath beech for a little over two kilometres before opening into a clearing. Expect rough natural ground, cut track, tussock, open bush and river gravel. The hut is about one kilometre beyond the clearing, and the return repeats the same track and climb.

The route reaches the Matakitaki River opposite Bobs Hut and crosses to the hut. A low-water trip account described the crossing as straightforward; after heavy rain it can become difficult or impassable. Make the river level your go/no-go decision and turn back if the flow is high. The walkwire at the start is also a remote crossing.

The hut stands where the beech forest meets an open river flat, beneath the Spenser Mountains and Mt Maling. It was built in 1958 for government deer cullers, replacing an older mining hut, and was first called Top Matakitaki Hut. The name changed after East Matakitaki Hut was built; nobody knows who Bob was. It is now an eight-bunk standard hut. Check the current hut-ticket and booking rules if you plan to stay overnight.

The route starts at a remote river walkwire, not a roadside car park. No parking point or complete vehicle approach to the bridge was confirmed, so arrange access to the start separately. No food service or potable-water facility is documented along the route; bring what you need. Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed in Nelson Lakes National Park.