Discover rugged trails in West Matukituki Valley
Wanaka, New Zealand • 
Popular
PopularWanaka, New Zealand
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
9°C – 22°C, warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
9°C – 22°C, warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Uneven terrain; walking and hiking necessary.
Uneven terrain; walking and hiking necessary.
Value for money
High
Access is free; stunning views make it worthwhile.
Access is free; stunning views make it worthwhile.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Breathtaking Scenery
Couples loved the stunning glacier views and the tranquility of the valley. Perfect for romantic walks.
Romantic Getaway
Visitors found the trails ideal for couples seeking a peaceful, scenic escape. Highly recommended!
Amazing Views
The trails offered breathtaking vistas. Couples enjoyed the diverse terrains and the stunning scenery.
Sandfly Problem
Travelers should bring insect repellent. Sandflies were a common issue, especially near the river.
Unsealed Roads
The drive in is rough. The last 30 km of unsealed road can be challenging for some vehicles.
Weather Concerns
The weather can change quickly. Couples needed to be prepared for all conditions while hiking.
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience virtual trek through West Matukituki Valley Track.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
LOW
4-16°C
Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.
Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.
Open
High availability; fewer restrictions.
High availability; fewer restrictions.
Recommended
April brings cooler weather and higher chances of rain, but the trails are less crowded. It's a good time for those seeking solitude and lower prices.
April brings cooler weather and higher chances of rain, but the trails are less crowded. It's a good time for those seeking solitude and lower prices.
May
LOW
2-12°C
May in Wanaka marks the transition into winter, with temperatures ranging from 1.6°C to 12.2°C. Rainfall averages 63mm over approximately 9 days, and daylight lasts about 9 hours and 32 minutes.
May in Wanaka marks the transition into winter, with temperatures ranging from 1.6°C to 12.2°C. Rainfall averages 63mm over approximately 9 days, and daylight lasts about 9 hours and 32 minutes.
Open
Some tracks may be affected by early snowfall; check local conditions before planning hikes.
Some tracks may be affected by early snowfall; check local conditions before planning hikes.
Not recommended
May offers cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, leading to lush landscapes. While it's a quieter month for tourism, it's advisable to check track conditions due to potential early snowfall.
May offers cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, leading to lush landscapes. While it's a quieter month for tourism, it's advisable to check track conditions due to potential early snowfall.
June
MEDIUM
-1-8°C
June brings winter conditions to Wanaka, with temperatures between -0.9°C and 8.4°C. Rainfall averages 54.5mm over about 8 days, and daylight is approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes.
June brings winter conditions to Wanaka, with temperatures between -0.9°C and 8.4°C. Rainfall averages 54.5mm over about 8 days, and daylight is approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes.
Open
Avalanche risk increases; certain tracks may be closed or require special equipment.
Avalanche risk increases; certain tracks may be closed or require special equipment.
Not recommended
June marks the start of the ski season with colder temperatures and moderate crowds. Avalanche risks are higher, so hikers should exercise caution and check for track closures.
June marks the start of the ski season with colder temperatures and moderate crowds. Avalanche risks are higher, so hikers should exercise caution and check for track closures.
July
HIGH
-1-8°C
July continues the winter trend with temperatures from -1.2°C to 8.4°C. Rainfall averages 54.5mm over about 8 days, and daylight lasts around 8 hours and 54 minutes.
July continues the winter trend with temperatures from -1.2°C to 8.4°C. Rainfall averages 54.5mm over about 8 days, and daylight lasts around 8 hours and 54 minutes.
Open
High avalanche risk; many tracks may be closed or require advanced preparation.
High avalanche risk; many tracks may be closed or require advanced preparation.
Not recommended
July is the height of the ski season with cold temperatures and high tourist activity. Avalanche risks are significant, making many trails hazardous for hiking.
July is the height of the ski season with cold temperatures and high tourist activity. Avalanche risks are significant, making many trails hazardous for hiking.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Car
Walking
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
