Rees-Dart Track

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

The Rees Dart Track is a multi-day trail near Glenorchy, New Zealand. It winds along the Rees River, through beech forests, and across grassy flats. The optional side trip to Cascade Saddle offers breathtaking panoramic views for the more adventurous. Daleys Flat Hut provides a cozy resting spot in a grassy clearing. Finally, the trail descends to Chinamans Bluff car park, where the journey concludes. This 100 km (62 miles) track showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand's South Island.

From the car park, the track follows the Rees River. You'll initially hike through grassy flats and open farmland. As you progress, the trail enters beech forest, providing shade.

After a few hours of hiking, you'll reach Shelter Rock Hut, which is a basic backcountry hut and the first overnight stop on the track. The hut offers basic facilities, such as bunks, cooking utensils, and a fireplace.

Leaving Shelter Rock Hut, the track continues through beautiful beech forest and crosses several side streams. After approximately five hours of hiking (faster if you are running), you'll reach Dart Hut, located near the confluence of the Dart and Rees rivers. Dart Hut is larger than Shelter Rock Hut and offers more amenities, including cooking stoves, mattresses, and toilets.

If you're up for a challenging side trip, you can embark on a day hike to Cascade Saddle, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. This side trip requires experience, good weather conditions, and proper equipment.

Leaving Dart Hut, the track crosses the Dart River via a swing bridge and continues along the true right of the river. The trail gradually ascends through the forest, and as you gain elevation, you'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

After approximately five to six hours of hiking, you'll arrive at Daleys Flat Hut, a cozy backcountry hut situated in a grassy clearing. The hut provides basic facilities and is a great place to rest and relax.

The final leg of the Rees Dart Track takes you through grassy flats, river crossings, and picturesque farmland.
The trail descends to the valley floor, following the Dart River until you reach the Chinamans Bluff car park.