The Bridle Track in Mount Aspiring National Park follows the Makarora River, linking Davis Flat (about 5 km beyond the Blue Pools car park) with the high point over Haast Pass / Tioripatea. The track is a remnant of the old pre-road trail that linked Haast on the West Coast to Hāwea and Wānaka. It takes about 90 minutes each way, so if it is especially wet and you only have one car, you may only want to walk part of the way, then turn back.
Starting at the Davis Flat southern entrance, the track sidles alongside Makarora River, mostly in native forest, including some stunning kōtukutuku (native fuchsia) overhanging the river. Look across the river early in the walk, and you should be able to get a glimpse of the Stewart Falls, which are 90 metres high.
The track is worn out and reasonably high above the river in some places, but it should be straightforward. About a quarter of the way along, there is a swing bridge. This is just past where the Makarora River turns sharply east into the Makarora Gorge, and the bridge crosses a large feeder stream. Once across, you will find yourself in an established native beech rainforest with a well-maintained track. From there, it is a 130-metre climb, mostly gentle, to the road at the top of the pass.
The northern end of the Bridle Track starts at the Haast Pass / Tioripatea high point, with the track entrance opposite a short steep track to a high viewpoint (you won’t see much if it’s raining). The well-maintained track goes downhill on a gentle incline through the native beech rainforest with a series of short bridges, including two significant stream crossings.
These streams become quite dramatic in the wet, with a series of tumbling falls. As you approach the second stream, you will be high above the first, with nice views down through the forest. There is a better viewpoint if you continue after the second significant stream crossing.
In the wet, this section of the walk takes on a stunning emerald green lustre due to the moss and lichen on the trees and around the path.
