Description
Trampers can follow Snowy Gorge Creek and descend into Maitland valley near Lake Ohau. Exiting out of the lower Maitland valley requires prior permission from the landholder Lake Ohau Station, phone: +64 3 438 9663
Birchwood Road to Snowy Gorge Hut
Track category: Route
Time: 5 hr
Distance: 11 km
Cross Ahuriri River at a suitable crossing point within Ahuriri Conservation Park (not marked). Snowy Gorge Creek flows through an open tussock clad valley. Snowy Gorge Hut is not easily visible because it is hidden behind a moraine wall.
Snowy Gorge Hut
Category: Basic/bivvies
Facilities: 5 bunk beds, mattresses
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Snowy Gorge Hut to Maitland Hut
Track category: Route
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 9 km
It is a steady climb to the pass between Snowy Gorge Creek and Maitland Stream at 1352 m. Scattered wetlands feature near the pass and then it is a straightforward descent into Maitland valley in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Watch out for aciphylla/spaniard plants along the way.
Snowy Gorge Creek with Snowy Gorge Hut (foreground)
Maitland Hut
Category: Standard
Facilities: 4 bunk beds, heating, mattresses
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Maitland Hut to Lake Ohau
Track category: Tramping track
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 10 km
The track travels through beech forest with several crossings of Maitland Stream. There is a steep climb at the end of the track before descending to Lake Ohau Road through private farmland. You will require prior permission from the landholder, Lake Ohau Station, to exit this way.
Beech clad Maitland valley in Ruataniwha Conservation Park
Getting there
Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff has a signpost for Ahuriri Conservation Park.
Horse riding
You will need to cross the Ahuriri River to access Snowy Gorge Creek.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mount Barth
Dog access
There is an ongoing trapping and poison operation for possums in this area. Monitor your dog and use a muzzle to avoid any potential scavenging of possum carcasses.
If you are doing the through trip to Lake Ohau you will need permission from the landholder to take your dog through private farmland above Lake Ohau. Contact Lake Ohau Station, phone: +64 3 438 9663.