while mountain beech dominates the drier, eastern end. The understory of the typically open forests supports a variety of ferns and mosses. Above the tree line, at about , stunted, sub-alpine shrub land gives way to alpine tussock grasslands and fell fields. Insect-eating birds such as piwakawaka, tomtit and rifleman thrive in the beech forest, whereas the seed-eating kākāriki specifically prefers areas of red beech. Paradise shelduck thrive on the river flats, and in summer, spur-winged plover and oystercatchers are a common sight on farmland and along the drive from Wanaka. The valley is also home to kea, whio, South Island robin, rock wren, the South Island long tailed bat, and several species of lizards. Tourism The Mātukituki River valley is home to a ski resort (Treble Cone), a jetboat operator (River Journeys) and numerous tramping (walking) trails providing access to landmarks such as the Rob Roy Glacier and the Dart Saddle. The unsealed Wanaka - Mount Aspiring Road follows the river's true right for most of its course, past the confluence of the East Branch and West Branch, and part-way along the West Branch to a Department of Conservation NZ car park at the Raspberry Creek shelter. The most popular walk in the area is the Rob Roy Glacier walk, which leads up a side valley to a view point beneath Rob Roy Glacier. The walking track crosses the Mātukituki River West Branch over a swing bridge. References External links Rivers of Otago Mount Aspiring National Park Rivers of New Zealand Tributaries of the Clutha River