A plateau in the sky

At the southern end of Kahurangi National Park, the "1,000 Acre Plateau" and "100 Acre Plateau" are the main features of the Matiri Range area.

These rolling tussock grasslands are fringed by steep limestone bluffs, creating a magic tabletop alpine world which houses one of the most dense alpine flora species area in New Zealand. A wide range of Hebes, Celmisias, Astelias, Dracophyllums, Gentians and many others grace the plateau.

Bird sightings may include kea, kaka and falcon. The hike commences in the Matiri Valley, near Murchison, with an easy walk to the hut at picturesque Lake Matiri, where we spend the first night. Next day is a steep climb on a rough track, which emerges on the fringe of the 1000 Acre Plateau. The climb passes through mixed beech – podocarp forest with some wonderful specimens of Dracophyllum traversii, mountain toatoa and Archeria traversii, to name but a few. From here we cross the tussocklands to Larrikens Creek Hut, nestling beneath the Haystack peak and 100 Acre Plateau.

Total walking time for our group, from Lake Matiri, is 8 to 9 hours at a slow pace so as to enjoy the scenery, flora and fauna.

Day 3 is spent exploring the area, and day 4 returning via Lake Matiri.

Trip facts

4 days
Fitness level: Above average
Price: $1,050
More on pricing

Self catered option (minimum 4 persons):
4-7 persons, $450 pp
8-10 persons, $350 pp

Special conditions

 

Other trips

Day Trips Mt Arthur Cobb Valley Asbestos Cottage Multi-day Comfort Trips Cobb Comfort West Coast Escape Best of the West Birders Special Nick's Cabin

Multi-day Backpacking Trips Heaphy Track Wangapeka Track Leslie-Karamea Track Kiwi Saddle Mt Arthur Tablelands Mt Owen Upper Cobb Valley Kahurangi Lighthouse