Rabbit Pass Trek
Day 1
Up to 6 hours, 10km
The trip begins with a helicopter flight from Makaroa into the Upper Wilkin Valley with Backcountry Helicopters. The afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby Lake Lucidus, or Castila, depending on how far you’d like to go, spending the night at Top Forks Hut.
Day 2
9 – 11 hours, 12km, 800m ascent
The next day, the route to the pass climbs through Snow Bridge Gorge to the open Waterfall Flat.
Concentration is required on the steep climb up the Waterfall Face and ropes will be used for security. From the top of the face, the route heads south under Pearsons Saddle, crossing the benign Rabbit Pass itself. A final steep climb leads to a second difficult section descending into the East Matukituki valley, and continuing down to campsites on the valley floor.
Day 3
7 – 8 hours, 12km, 300m ascent
The next morning the route continues down the valley requiring a number of river crossings. Trekkers will have wet feet from here on. After Ruth Flat, with its views of the impressive East Face of Fastness Peak, the track climbs steeply to bypass Bledisloe Gorge. Campsites exist above the bush line with stunning views up the Kitchener River to the East Face of Popes Nose and Mount Aspiring or you can forge on down the hill to Junction Flat.
Day 4
5 hours, 11km, 700m descent
From Junction Flat and a visit to Hester Pinney Falls, the track continues down the river exiting the bush at the confluence of the Glacier Burn. There is a final short trek across farmland to reach the Matukituki River and the Aspiring Road.
Accommodation on the Rabbit Pass Trek is in public huts and wild camping. Camping equipment can be provided.
There are multiple unbridged river crossings so expect wet feet.
2026 Price:
Group: $2650 per person (3+ people)
Private: $6890 / $3690 for 1 / 2 people
Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, ground transport from W?naka, helicopter flight into Top Forks Hut, food and mountain accommodation in public huts or tents.
‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around W?naka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’
— — Michael, Siberia Hut Trip
