Rating; Grade 2-3
Know before you go: An out and back, avoid after heavy rain as there are several river crossings. Best in summer when the river is warmer. This is a remote area so be self sufficient, carry spares and warm clothing.
Getting there: To get to the Glenroy Valley turn south in the centre of Murchison and head up the Matakitaki Valley. Continue until you cross the Matakitaki river on the Horse Terrace bridge then take the second turn left 30km from Murchison, clearly marked as the Glenroy Valley and "Access to NLNP". After 6.3km you will reach a woolshed where the road forks. This is probably a good place to park.
Pick your weather and this makes a great summer ride
On the bike head up the hill to the left through the deer fence gate, past the farm sheds, then the farm house. Stay on the true right of the river as long as you can until the 4wd track leads you to ford the river. It is wide but shallow, about knee deep when I crossed in August (and cold). The 4wd track continues through the bush on the true left for a while avoiding some small cliffs by the river and then dropping down on to the open river flats. You will get to the next river crossing soon.
Summer and winter views of the valley
The river crossings are no problem if the river is low. The hut makes a good destination
The 4WD track winds across extensive river flats