Wills Valley Track
WalkWest Coast
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzMap
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.03662° S, 169.41623° E
About this place
This track is for experienced trampers and starts at the Gates of Haast Bridge. Like most of the smaller valleys in this area, the Wills’ lower reaches are gorged, and then open out to flats further up.
The route
The entry point for this track is located at the Gates of Haast Bridge off State Highway 6. A large, unstable, active slip must be crossed to reach the start of the track at the bush edge. Avoiding the sting of native nettle, follow the old bridle trail for about 10 min. The track branches off to climb, then sidle, above the western side of Wills Gorge until reaching a smaller slip. To keep on the track, stay high on the slip to reach a steel ladder that climbs a small rock bluff. The track continues climbing steadily through the forest, before dropping down to a large, grassy river flat on the true right of the river where the marked track ends. The four-bunk Wills Hut is about 40 min from the start of this flat on the true left of the river on a small terrace close to the bush edge.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Avalanche risk
This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information .
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
No visitor centre in Makarora
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Pleasant Flat Campsite
Standard • West Coast • 3.9 km
Pleasant Flat is a standard campsite in the Wanaka and Makarora area. It offers views of Mount Hooker and is located near the Haast River for fishing and short…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Toilets - flush
Brewster Hut
Serviced Alpine • 12 bunks • West Coast • 5.7 km
Brewster Hut is a serviced alpine 12 bunk hut located in the South Westland area. You need to book online before you go to stay at this hut over the summer…
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Makarora Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • Otago • 10.5 km
Makarora Hut is a standard four-bunk hut located in the Wanaka/Makarora area of Otago.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Ferguson Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • Otago • 14.2 km
Ferguson Hut is a standard four-bunk hut located in the Wanaka/Makarora area of Otago.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Bull Flat Hut
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Otago • 16.6 km
Bull Flat Hut is a basic two-bunk hut located in the Wanaka and Makarora area of Otago.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Thunder Creek Falls
Easiest • 5 min return • 200 m • 4 km away
Fantail Falls Walk
Easiest • 5 min return • 200 m • 5.1 km away
Brewster Track
Advanced • 6 – 8 hr return • 5 km • 5.48 km away
Haast Pass Lookout Track
Easy • 1 hr return • 1.5 km • 9.33 km away
Bridle Track
Easy • 1 hr 30 min one way • 3.5 km • 10.99 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).