The Rees and Dart Tracks form a tramping (hiking) 63 kilometres (39 mi) circuit which is located in the South Island of New Zealand. The trailheads are far apart requiring transport planning in order to tramp or run the track. The track allows access to the Cascade Saddle Track[3][4] in which one can see the Dart Glacier and allows access to the Matukituki Valley.

Rees and Dart Tracks
Rees Track
Length63 km (39 mi)[1]
LocationMount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
TrailheadsChinamans Bluff, Muddy Creek carpark
UseTramping, trail running
Highest point1,471 m (4,826 ft), Rees Saddle
Lowest pointChinamans Bluff carpark, 400[2] m (1,300 ft)
Difficultymedium
SeasonSpring to Autumn (open all year)
Monthslate October to mid April
SightsAlpine views, lakes, forests, tussocklands, rivers
HazardsHypothermia, high winds, rocks, roots, snow, rain, avalanche
Surfacedirt, rock, roots
Websitewww.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/rees-dart-track

Access to the Dart Track is via the Chinamans Bluff carpark and which is near the Dart River while access to the Rees Track is via the Muddy Creek carpark near the Rees River.

Rees River track
Kea on the Dart Track

History

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In 2014 a large slip blocked the Dart River and caused a large lake to form. Many sections of the track were destroyed or underwater.[5] In 2017 after three years a new section of the Dart Track was opened that was higher up than the original.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Rees-Dart Track". DOC. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Chinamans carpark shelter". tramping.net.nz/. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Rees Dart Track, Mt Aspiring National Park". tramping.net.nz. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  4. ^ Fuchs, Don (4 July 2016). "Rees-Dart Track, NZ". Australian Geographic. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  5. ^ Baker, Che. "New lake blocks Dart River track". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 January 2024. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  6. ^ Walker, Meghan (March 2017). "Dart Track reopens after three-year closure". Wilderness Magazine. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
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