Lake Matiri

Turn onto Matiri Valley Road off State Highway 6, which is 6 km north of Murchison. The track begins 19 km up Matiri Valley Road; the road passes by working farms until the road end, which is just prior to the vehicle bridge over Matiri River West Branch.

Lake Matiri Track does not enter Kahurangi National Park; the national park boundary is just north of Lake Matiri, while the lake itself and the forest immediately south of it are protected in the Matiri Conservation Area.

Cross the bridge over Matiri River West Branch and follow the gravel road as it follows the true right of the river. This road was constructed during development of the Matiri Hydro Scheme, which was commissioned in 2020. Prior to construction of the road, the track began 2 km further down the valley and required fording Matiri River West Branch.

The tramping track branches off the road and enters mossy beech forest, climbing over the landslide debris that dammed the valley and formed Lake Matiri around 300 years ago. From here it is a short distance to the hut.

Lake Matiri Hut is perched on the western hillside above the lake. Trees have been cleared below the hut, providing views across the lake and up the Matiri Valley.

From the hut you can return the way you came. For longer trips, you can continue north along the lake edge and climb up to Thousand Acres Plateau (Matiri Range) and Poor Pete’s Hut, or continue on the valley floor to McConchies Hut.