Run Rabbit Run

This classic and awesome 63km wilderness tramp through Aspiring Natiional Park can be done as a day run, but only under ideal summertime conditions, with low rivers, no low snow, fine settled weather and adequate care and preparation. Even then it's a big day out and a committing run. Start at first light, carry extra gear (including a torch and extra food) and read Moirs Guide.

Cross the swingbridge across the West Matukituki and take the East Matukituki track and start the long but stunning run up the remote East Matukituiki valley (with occasional wire bridges across side-streams) to Junction Flat, up and over the high bypass of Bledisloe gorge to Ruth Flat (where you can marvel at the impressive East Face of Mt Fastness), and follow occasional poles/cairns up valley. Provided the weather is still fine carry on up the zig-zag route onto the steep and spectacular Rabbit Pass. This leads into delightful hanging valley which finishes abruptly as you approach the notorious 'Waterfall Face'. The descent of this steep, exposed face of grassy bluffs requires care (the first marker pole is up well out to the true left of the face), though it's going to be easier than if you had a tramping pack on (take extreme care if it's wet - if in doubt turn back).

Once down, at Waterfall Flat, a rough track leads through scrub above gorges before dropping down to Top Flats Hut. From here there is a long, cruisy run across open river flats and bush to Kerin Forks Hut. Some distance below the hut, find a suitable braided place to cross the Wilkin and run out the last dozen or so km mostly down the true left of the river and tracks to the Makarora, dinner and beer.

Next day it's a nice bike ride back (~110km) to the car beside the lakes, and via Wanaka. Just after Gledhu Bay, it's worth tossing the tent etc into scrub by the road for later pickup so you don't need to bike it the last 40km, much of which is gravel.