Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and a northbound bus from Queenstown (four hours) that both stop in Makarora - at the
DOC Makarora Visitor Centre and Makarora Tourist Centre.
The Tramp
Day 1: Makarora to Young Hut
6-7 HOURS, 20KM
It is wise to ask at the DOC Makarora Visitor Centre about the best spot to ford the
Makarora River
to reach the Young Valley. The river is generally forded at
Sawmill Flat
,
about 3km north of Makarora village, on SH6. Study the Makarora carefully, then choose
the best ford between its confluence with Young River and Brady Creek. The crossing here
is within the ability of most trampers when the water level is normal. A high-river option is
available from the
Blue Pools
, 8km north of Makarora (1½ to two hours, 7km).
Once on the true right (west) side of the Makarora, you round the corner into the Young
Valley, where you will find a good track leading up the true left (north) bank of the
Young
River
.
The track remains close to the river. Within three or four hours you enter the flats below
the junction of the North and South Branches of Young River. Continue to just above the
confluence, where a swing bridge allows you to safely cross the North Branch. A track here
also leads up the North Branch to the Young Forks Campsite, 200m from the confluence.
On the other side of the bridge a track crosses a small grassy flat and then enters the bush
to continue on the true left (north) side of the South Branch. Ten minutes from the bridge
the track crosses a large, unstable slip - it is well marked with rock cairns but exercise cau-
tion and remain at the same height above the river while crossing it. You then re-enter the
bush and climb steeply for 100m before sidling a series of unstable slips, reaching
Stag
Creek
two to three hours after crossing the North Branch.
After crossing a bridge over Stag Creek, the track makes a steady climb to the bushline,
reaching it within two hours of the bridge. The original Young Hut was another 1km up the
valley, but in 2006 a new and larger Young Hut (20 bunks) was built within the bush to pro-
tect it from the avalanches that often occur here during winter.
