Rock of Ages

Cross the Matukituki River on the swingbridge and follow the obvious trail as it bears right across open tussock and into beech forest close to the river. The trail stays close to the river for a km or so and then merges into more of a 4WD track which you follow towards a fenceline on your left.

Pick up the dead straight, 1 km long station road (gravel) that takes you into the Eastern Branch of the Matukituki and at the end of this follow the poled route across open country to the National Park boundary, adjacent to Glacier Burn.

Cross Glacier on the swingbridge (slightly upstream, just out of sight when you first enter the bush) and follow the trail north through beech forest. There are several places where it gets very close to the river, making for some very tempting swimming spots on a hot day. Most of this section is pretty rough with plenty of rocks and roots to fall over, and even a wee waterfall to cross with the aid of a chain. All rather magical!

On reaching Junction Flat turn left on to the Kitchener Track that heads uphill steeply into the magnificent Kitchener River and spits you out on to Aspiring Flats. The final few km you'll be on the river flats with no trail or markers, crossing the Kitchener where you can (take care, some parts run deep!) Finding the Rock of Ages bivvy isn't the easiest thing in the world - it's tucked away in the bush on the left hand (true right) side of the valley about a km upstream.

If your hunt for the bivvy is successful (well worth the search - it's a huge rock overhang) then give yourself a pat on the back and start re-tracing your steps back to the car.

There is one wee diversion on your way back that is worth noting - where the Kitchener Track rejoins the E. Matukituki Track, turn left and check out the scary 3-wire bridge a couple of hundred metres upstream.