The track starts easily enough though just 20-minutes in, Stewart Creek needs to be crossed below Stewart Falls. As with all river crossing, care needs to be taken. If heavy rain has occurred recently or is forecast, this may not be the trip to attempt.

As with many hanging valleys, travelling upstream involves climbing steeply till well above a gorge and then descending gradually until easier ground is reached. After crossing the stream, this is the case here, with a steep 200m climb then a sidle around the Makarora Gorge some 150m below.

More sidling ensues. The run-out here is often poor, so choose your route carefully to ensure maximum safety.

Two hours from the track start will have you nearing the river.

Once on the river flats it’s a 45-minute walk to the hut. Makarora is an ex-forest service four bunker, built in 1960.

A stroll up the valley reveals Mt Brewster and David Glacier clinging to the southern side of Mt Armstrong.