The Rees-Dart Track is a Department of Conservation Major Track on New Zealand's South Island with portions of it in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Understand
[edit]This is a moderately demanding circuit track taking 4-5 days of 6-8 hours of walking per day. The fifth day is added if an extra day trip to the Dart Glacier is taken. Mt. Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi) and Slip Stream (Te Koroka) are Töpuni (sacred) sites of the Ngāi Tāhu Maori tribe. This track can also be linked to the Cascade Saddle track, but is suggested only for very experienced trampers.
Prepare
[edit]Just like any multi-night tramping excursion, plan in advance and check a packing list before leaving; preparedness is key for wilderness emergencies. Pack wet-weather, warm-weather, and extra clothing, as your hiking gear will get wet. Bring insect repellent for the abundant sand flies and a small, absorbent towel.
Eat
[edit]You must carry all your own food; there are no shops. Prepare a high-energy, low-weight menu and always carry an extra day of emergency rations. You must also provide your own cooking equipment (pots, etc.) and utensils; a single spork is recommended.
Drink
[edit]Water is available at huts from rivers or rainfall, but it is not tested for giardia—treatment (filters or tablets) is recommended. Carry water in an accessible bottle or bladder to maintain hydration during activity.
Sleep
[edit]Huts with mattresses are spaced a day apart, but they lack linens and heating; bring a warm sleeping bag and earplugs for shared bunkhouses. You may tent near huts, but campers cannot use hut facilities. There are no showers; use hut toilets or bury waste far from the track and water.
Climate
[edit]Expect to get wet due to the environment. Proper preparedness with warm and waterproof layers is essential for survival.
Get in
[edit]Throughout the Great Walks peak season, daily transport to the track is provided by Info&Track.
- 1 Info&Track (Services are available from nearby towns of Queenstown or Glenorchy to either Muddy Creek or Chinaman's Bluff.), ☏ +64 3 442 9708, [email protected].
Walk
[edit]
Muddy Creek – Park boundary
12 km 
5 hr
Starting from 1 Muddy Creek, the route follows a vehicle track before continuing across boggy ground, guided by marker poles, to the park boundary.
Park boundary – Shelter Rock Hut
7 km 2-3 hr
From the park boundary, a marked track winds through bush to 1 Shelter Rock Hut.
Shelter Rock Hut – Dart Hut
10 km 6 hr
The narrow, steep track from 2 Shelter Rock Hut climbs towards 2 Rees Saddle (1471 m). The upper Snowy Creek bridge is removed in winter and may not be replaced until Christmas. The route continues to 3 Dart Hut.
Dart Hut – Daleys Flat
18 km 5-7 hr
From 4 Dart Hut, the track descends before continuing through beech forest to 5 Daleys Flat.
Daleys Flat – Chinamans carpark
16 km 5.5-7.5 hr
The route from 6 Daleys Flat to 3 Chinamans carpark includes narrow, sometimes steep sections and requires strong backcountry skills.
Chinamans carpark – Paradise
6 km 2 hr
From 4 Chinamans carpark, follow the road to 5 Paradise. This section can often be driven, but walking may be necessary.
Stay safe
[edit]Be sure to register with the Department of Conservation (DOC) office in Glenorchy before heading out. Your check-in and subsequent check-out with the DOC will insure your safety in the wilderness. If you do not check-out by the date you've specified during registration a search will commence shortly thereafter.
Go next
[edit]- Milford Track (about 4 days), which runs from Lake Te Anau through the McKinnon Pass in the Southern Alps, leading out to Milford Sound.
- Routeburn Track (about 3 days), which starts at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown in Glenorchy, coming out at The Divide on the road to Milford.
- Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park.
- Rakiura Track, on Stewart Island
- Careys Creek Track, near Blueskin Bay, north of Dunedin