Weetbix on the Motatapu Track

I can't imagine a lot of people are busting to walk the "Motatapu Track". I put it in quotes because it isn't really a track, even in the loose NZ context, but rather just a roughly sketched route through some high-ish tussocky hills between Wanaka and Arrowtown. It isn't even in the Motatapu valley, only near it.

Sadly, a young Australian woman decided to give it a go. I don't want to add to the poor thing's misfortune so I won't dwell on why or if she should have, or her subsequent situation.

But I suspect that all the publicity this "arduous" track has had will probably lure a good number of NZ trampers to "test themselves" up against its "challenging difficulties".

NZ has so much to offer, this "track" doesn't merit getting onto the front page of anyone's wish list.

But you can decide for yourself.

Here's a link to a slide show of an Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club trip through it:

http://otmc.co.nz/archives/images/Motatapu2008/index.html

This is a link to a Department of Conservation brochure:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/otago/wanaka-area/motatapu-track/

And here's a link to some info about it on Matthew Walker's Tramping.co.nz website:

http://tramper.co.nz/?2795

Comments

[Rod T]

The 'track' is straightforward enough, though not to be underestimated. The comments above are dead right.

There are two saddles around 1300m, and some strenuous sidling across snowgrass which would be tricky when wet. A very cold exposed trip in a southerly! Also, you either need 4WD support to get from Macetown to Arrowtown, or to be prepared for a long day walking out.

But the views are great and the huts brand new. A good trip.

[Gareth Rapley]

I walked the track in February in dry weather and wondered what all the fuss was about in regard to the sidles. Maybe it's worse in the wet, or maybe my feet just know what to do...
I had a very easy start to the track along the Macetown road. I preferred the peace and quiet of walking as opposed to the motorised behemoths that people use.

[Frank]

Thanks Rod and Gareth - appreciate your your first hand assessments.

Gareth, I'm sure your feet 'know what to do' more than most in the hills. And, yes, walking beats 4x4ing any day too.