Aspiring Hut to the head of the Matukituki Valley

From Aspiring Hut, pass Aspiring Campsite and then head up the valley towards Shovel Flat & Pearl Flat. From Pearl Flat, tracks go up either side of the valley towards Liverpool and French Ridge huts -- ignore these and head up the less-traveled route to the head of the valley.

The Shovel Flat & Pearl Flat area is generally easy running on undulating straightforward track. You can see some beautiful waterfalls from here. After the turn-offs to the huts, the track becomes a more backcountry tramping track, so expect slower travel on the second half of the run up to the head of the valley.

The DOC track ends near where Scott's Rock Biv is marked on the topo map. For a little extra recce, go searching for the rock biv. From the end of the DOC track, a rough track continues on to Bevan Col (& Bonar Glacier & Colin Todd Hut & Tititea / Mt Aspiring) -- trailpinists with mountaineering skills may wish to continue on for a bigger adventure!

This run can be combined with Matukituki Valley to Aspiring Hut for a near-marathon distance run up the whole West Matukituki. Otherwise, you can mountain bike into Aspiring Hut and start the run from there -- be careful to stash bikes well away from curious kea!

The scenery transitions between beech forest and clearings through this run. The track passes through a few known avalanche pathways, so if you're thinking of doing it outside of summer, check on current conditions with the Mountain Safety Council & DOC.