The Motutapu Track is a three- to four-day walk between Wānaka and Arrowtown through the tussock valleys and passes of Motatapu and Soho high-country stations. An in-and-out trip to Highland Creek Hut, the second hut from the Wānaka side, makes a good tramp if you only have two days available.    

The track starts near to Glendhu Bay and follows the Fern Burn through open farmland for an easy hour before entering beech forest at the Stack Conservation Area, where red, mountain and silver beech can be seen. Playful pīwakawaka abound, darting through the forest and over the stream. 

Beyond the forest the track sidles through tussock grasslands high above the river for 2km before dropping to Fern Burn Hut. With its north-facing verandah, this is a perfect place to have a brew with lunch. 

From here the track gets more rugged as it winds up to Jack Halls Saddle (1275m), the highest point of the trip and 10km from the road end. With snow, the view from here across the interwoven ridges of Highland Creek to Knuckle Peak is spectacular. 

From the saddle the track drops 400m on a steep, narrow ridge to a creek. We walked in the tussock and soft snow to avoid the icy track. From the creek, three short climbs over ridges brings you to Highland Creek Hut, sited in an impressive basin at the head of Highland Creek. It’s located for good winter sun, but expect it to be chilly after the sun goes down as there is no fire. 

Retrace your journey the next day. Be aware that conditions can vary considerably from day to day in winter: snow that softened in the sun the previous day may be hard and icy after an overnight freeze. 

The Motatapu Track is part of Te Araroa and in summer the huts are often full. In the off-season you’ll likely be treated to a quiet track, empty huts and crisp, cold, clear days among beautiful snow-clad mountains. The trip should only be attempted at this time by those with winter tramping experience, and ice axes and crampons may be necessary. Be aware of the potential for avalanches, and check with the NZ Avalanche Advisory or Department of Conservation, Wānaka, for current conditions.