February 5, 2026
Wanaka to Fern Burn Hut
TA km marker 2640.7 to 2666.2
Hiked today: 25.5 km

A Granola and yoghurt cup made a good breakfast and, after that we were out the door and down the road as the sun rose. A coffee van just by our door was already brewing, and I enjoyed sipping on that as we headed off. First we were on a very easy bike track around Wanaka lake for about 13 km, then we headed along a gravel road towards the valley that sheltered the first leg of the Motatapu track.

From the trailhead the track was 7km but estimated hike time was 3-4 hours, which gives some indication of the steepness of ascent.

We had plenty of time to allow for stops along the way but still made it to the hut in good time and were enjoying shoes off at the hut before 3pm.