Addicted: The Matukituki Valley: Glaciers and the Aspiring Hut

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last few weeks, but as you'll see, I've been quite busy. After the second wave of unseasonable January storms, the Rees-Dart Track suffered some major damage so we decided to forgo this 4-day bush-bash in exchange for a pleasant amble up the Matukituki Valley for a couple of nights and several day hikes. After a long hitch into the middle of nowhere, we set up a camp at the start of the valley and headed up the the Rob Roy Glacier. The easy hike offered incredible views of the calving face of the hanging glacier and occasionally massive chucks would crumble down sending thunderous reports throughout the canyon. Kea's enjoyed the views with us.

High winds and heavy rain's overnight drove us out of the valley and we sought refuge in the shelter at the carpark. As we cooked breakfast and let out sopping gear drip, weary international tourist emerged from their campers and joined our shelter party. Apparently the high winds had kept most of them up as well as gravel and rocks pelted and shook their campers all night. As fresh droves of day users arrived in the late morning, we learned that the weather should be clearing bringing fine weather for the next few days.

Just before lunch time the rain lightened and we headed back up the valley toward aspiring hut. The wind, however, did not quit and we were constantly leaning into the gale. At times we had to stop and walking and brace to avoid being blown over. We eventually reached the empty Aspiring hut and spread out our wet stuff to dry and relaxed inthe beautiful wooden and stone hut. Aspiring hut is owned by the New Zealand Alpine Club and used as a base for many of the areas mountainering adventures including Mount Aspiring.

The next day the weather had improved and we headed up the valley in hopes of reaching better views of Mount Aspiring. I headed up the route to Liverpool Hut, a two hour vertical grunt to a 12 bunk refuge overlooking the valley below and Aspiring across. Unfortunately the clouds would not part in time to see Aspiring from this vantage, but the evening brought clear skies and the sun set over the bold face of the formidable peak.

The next morning we headed back out the valley finding it hard to keep from looking behind us. We encountered losts of happy livestock and took a dip in the glacial Matukituki before leaving.

We hitched into the valley in three stints, the second driver was a para-glider that left us hear to go jump off this mountain.

View as we reached the parking lot.

The breathtaking Matukituki Valley. Rob Roy is up to the right (not in view) and we camped in the grove of trees behind Aliyah.

First glances of Rob Roy

The lower view point, notice the pencil thin waterfall coming out of the ridge.

Aliyah taking in the might of the Rob Roy Glacier!

The kea's also enjoy the view and our company. David Attenborough's voice is in our minds every time we see these birds. Check out the Life of Birds series and you'll know what we mean.

Aliyah lounges in Aspiring Hut after a long night and wet morning. The views aren't bad eh?

For $25 a night you get to stay in this beautiful hut surrounded by glaciers and grassy meadows, use the fully equipped kitchen, and dry all your junk inside and out with the wood stove. It sure beats camping in the rain.

Looking up towards the head of the valley, Mount Aspiring is still hiding.

The track up the Liverpool Hut. Do not be decieved by the photo, this is nearly vertical.

Liverpool Hut overlooking the Matukituki Valley. Aspiring hut is situated about half way down the valley where it sharply points to the right. It took about 3 hours to hike here from there.