Intermediate 3-4 hour walk one way. No dogs. 6.53km.

A varied day walk passing through ancient beech forest and high country tussock, with the option to overnight at the Fern Burn Hut.

The Wānaka end of the Motatapu Track provides an enjoyable day or overnight walk into the Fern Burn Hut. Starting in the farmland, the track follows the Fern Burn River and then increases onto steeper terrain as the river narrows. Once above the treeline, the track climbs through upland tussock to the hut.

Start the trail 3 km from Glendhu Bay at the first bridge on Motutapu Road. The car park is on the right and the track begins on the left, take care crossing the road.

Fern Burn Hut

No bookings required - first come, first served. Hut provides (non flush) toilets, mattresses, and untreated water (boil before use), with 12 bunk beds.

This hut is on the Te Araroa Trail and can be busy over summer. 

Fees:

• Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
• Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
• Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

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