This is a classic day trip from Wanaka, it has the feel of a 'mini' wilderness trip as apposed to other local trips down the Matukituki/Clutha/Hawea. The trip would also make a superb overnight adventure if you camped at the 'Rock Of Ages Bivouac' amongst the stunning Kitchener River or the large grassy meadow at Junction Flat.
The walk to Junction Flat from the car is steady going, you can save upto an hour if you cross the Matukituki River at Cameron Flat rather than taking the swing bridge further up the valley. After a couple of hours the single wire bridge is reached which crosses over to Junction Flat, from here you can put in anywhere below the bridge and enjoy the class II/III river sections back to the start. There is an obvious class III rapid which can be easily portaged and scoped, its certainly runnable with some good manovering, just keep and eye on the large undercut at the final boulder!
From here the river mellows with some great emerald green pools and fantastic views over to Avalanche Glacier, not visible on the walk in. The river slowly begins to braid as you reach the Matukituki and the short walk back to the car
Crew: Lee, Dan & Jeff. 2.5hrs walk to Junction Flat. 2hrs Paddle to Matukituki River. 29th October 2016
