Hut Creek Track

This is a difficult tramping track.

From the 'Earl Mountain Tracks' sign, the track leads to a walk wire over the Eglinton River about 10 minutes from the carpark.

After the walk wire follow the track sign pointing to Hut Creek.

After a river crossing (of Mistake Creek), the track leads up the true left of Hut Creek until a clearing after 1.5 hours, where you cross the river to the true right bank.

Follow the track until it emerges from the bush onto the open river flats.

For experienced trampers, this track can be combined as an overnight trip with the Mistake Creek Track.

This track begins from the Milford Road, Fiordland, about 71 km north from Te Anau.

There is a small carpark area on the western side of the road, with a DOC track sign saying ‘Earl Mountain tracks’.

This is a tramping track so you will need good fitness and moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills.

River crossing skills are also required. Note that in heavy rain these rivers can run very fast and high and require extreme caution – do not attempt crossing until the water levels drop.

There may be avalanche danger

Check the avalanche terrain in this area.

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Fiordland National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.