Red Rock Stream Waterfall

 

Red Rock Stream Waterfall

Unofficially named, (roughly) 70m tall, Red Rock Stream Waterfall is found in remote West Matukituki River Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park. More or less simple 2.5-hours’ track can be extended up to 2-3 days with more waterfalls along the way. Off the beaten track adventure!

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 44° 29.764'  E 168° 40.453'
Parking: Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Vehicle type: 4WD vehicle recommended Track type: Tramping track
Road type:35km of Gravel Road (poor road surface) Return track duration: 2hrs 30min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 70m Type of the waterfall: Horsetail

Rating:       ⭐⭐
GPS:          S 44° 29.764'  E 168° 40.453'
Parking:     Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Access:     2hrs 30min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Red Rock Stream Waterfall is roughly a 1.5 hours' drive away from Wanaka. Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd is a gravel road with huge holes and cracks on it as well as multiple creek's fords. There is an official sign at the road entrance saying that it's not a public road, the road is maintained by DOC and DOC takes no liability for the vehicles entering to this road. This road is unsuitable for low wheel-base vehicles and we highly recommend a 4-WD vehicle for this trip.

From Wanaka follow Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd for 51.5km (including 35km of gravel road) until you reach a huge carpark (at the end of the road) with toilets and a picnic area.

There are lots of different waterfalls along Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, so drive carefully and watch for waterfalls.

From the parking follow West Matukituki track for 10 minutes, then Rob Roy Track will branches out (don't turn right or cross the river). Follow the track through farmland for 35 more minutes and you'll see Brides Veil Waterfall on the left hand side. 30 more minutes and you'll see Red Rock Stream Waterfall on the left hand side as well. The best view is reached when you cross the Red Rock Stream via Leon's Bridge. The track is not difficult and doesn't require any climbing or river crossing, but has a couple of easy stream crossings. Return via the same track.

There is no official track to the waterfall's base, but probably it's reachable via the river bed. Be very careful if you decide to approach it closer.

More energetic trampers can choose to continue on to the track up to the Aspiring hut, and then continue the journey up to Scotts Rock Bivouac (2-3 days return) with lots of waterfalls along the way, or do even more challenging Cascade Saddle Track (recommended for experienced trampers only!). No matter which way you choose – happy waterfalls’ hunting!


Waterfalls nearby

Brides Veil Waterfall

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr 30min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

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Bridal Veil Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

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Rob Roy Waterfalls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

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