Distance: 14.1 km (6.0 DOC hours) - Marked route - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 270m to 370m. Gain: 208m. Loss: 175m . Gradient: 2 deg (Flat)
Skills: - Prolonged rivers (4/6)

Marked route (6/9)
Uncut route, with markers normally within sight

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Flat (difficulty: 1/5)
Flat

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

Prolonged rivers (difficulty: 4/6)
Frequent river travel - impassible after rain, risk of getting trapped

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

The walking route into the Wilkin starts at Wilkin road, 4km south of Makarora Wilderness Lodge.

Follow Wilkin Road down to the Makarora and ford the river at the braided section here. The Makarora is a serious river - knee to thigh deep in normal flows it can be crossed by individuals and parties experienced in river crossing techniques. After any rain it will be impassable - as will the Young to the north and Wilkin to the south, making the jetboat your only option.

Once across, follow the farm track into the base of the Wilkin and pick up the poled route heading up valley. This is a private, farmed valley, so stick to the permitted track up river flats and occasionally low on the beech faces. The jetboat pickup spot is 1km below Kerin Forks hut, and in busy season will be notable for the crowds of people getting on / off boats. Kerin Forks Hut is 1km upriver on the opposite bank, and a crossing is required - knee to thigh deep in normal flows. Easily impassable after rain.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

This route crosses the Makarora which is a serious river - knee to thigh deep in normal flows it can be crossed by individuals and parties experienced in river crossing techniques. After any rain it will be impassable - as will the Young to the north and Wilkin to the south, making the jetboat your only option.

From the jetboat pickup site on the north side of the Wilkin, 1km below the hut, follow the poled route down the Wilkin flats, sometimes sidling low in beech faces. This si a farmed valley, so please stick to the agreed track.

1km from the Makarora confluence, pick up a 4wd track and follow it 1km up the Makarora to the braided section where a 4WD crossing point exists. Choose a good place and cross here to Wilkin Road opposite. The state highway is 500m beyond, and Makarora Wilderness Lodge 4km north along the highway.