Rees-Dart Track
Rees-Dart Track is a 63 km (about 60 km) multi-day alpine circuit in Mount Aspiring National Park, in the Otago region. It’s typically finished in 4–5 days, and it’s graded as advanced tramping—expect a demanding backcountry walk where you’ll be moving through glacial valleys, exposed saddles, and remote river country.
Route shape is a circuit between the Rees Valley and Dart Valley with hut-to-hut travel on named DOC tracks. The usual pattern is counter-clockwise, commonly starting at the Muddy Creek car park and working through the Rees Valley to Shelter Rock Hut before continuing toward Dart Hut.
The Muddy Creek to Shelter Rock Hut day begins with travel across a working-farm area and through the Rees Valley; the route then climbs above the beech forest. This segment includes boggy, muddy sections and knee-high water before reaching Shelter Rock Hut (22 bunks).
Shelter Rock Hut to Dart Hut is a physical and exposed connector: you ascend to Rees Saddle (1471 m), then descend into the Dart Valley. The track is narrow in places with steep drop-offs in the upper Snowy Creek area, and it includes traverses that can be dangerous when wet or snow-covered; the Dart Hut sits on Snowy Creek’s true left and is reached via a swing bridge (32 bunks).
From Dart Hut, many parties add a side trip over Cascade Saddle to the Dart Glacier area; it’s described as above 1500 m and very exposed, with route options that involve cairned travel through steep, unstable slopes and fording several side streams on the approach and exit.
The later part of the circuit follows the Dart Valley toward Daley’s Flat Hut and then out to China’s Bluff/Paradise area. Stream crossings are a recurring hazard: creeks and rivers can rise quickly after rain and from afternoon snowmelt, and flooding is specifically called out as dangerous in multiple parts of the route.
In season, plan for late November through April for the most favorable conditions; colder periods can bring severe avalanche risk and snow cover. DOC notes that the upper Snowy Creek bridge is removed in winter and returned when snow clears (which can be as late as December). Also note that a large slip in Dart Valley between Daleys Flat Hut and Chinamans Bluff has made the circuit impassable, with walkable options from either end rather than a full through-circuit.
Facilities are centered on serviced DOC huts at Shelter Rock Hut (22 bunks) and Dart Hut (32 bunks). Hut water is not treated (boil before use); camping is not allowed between Shelter Rock Hut and Dart Hut, and hut tickets/pass fees apply since the track isn’t an officially booked “Great Walk” track. No dogs are permitted on the track. If you’re short on time or conditions are poor, the track’s river hazards make it common to be held up until flooded crossings drop—carry an emergency shelter and spare food.
More information: Wikipedia, Rees-Dart Track: Mount Aspiring National Park, Otago region, » FAQs