Description
The tracks listed here are suitable for both mountain biking and tramping and horse riding. The exception is the Little Kyeburn Track which is not suitable for mountain biking.
Otamatapaio Track
Distance: 20 km
The signposted carpark is just off SH83 by the Otamatapaio Station driveway. There is no formed track for the first 8km up the riverbed. After crossing a bridge over the Otamatapaio River, the marked track begins and follows the river to the 4-bunk Otamatapaio Hut. Please stay on the marked track.
Hawkdun Range, Oteake Conservation Park
Mutton Creek Track
Distance: 6 km
Links the lower sections of the West and East Manuherikia Tracks. A shorter loop option for cyclists and trampers, this is a rough track with a steep climb at both ends.
Saddle Ridge Track
Distance: 7 km
A rough track and steep climb that links the upper West and East Manuherikia Tracks with spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook.
Berwen Track
Distance: 4 km
The tracks crosses private farmland and links the East Manuherikia Track with the Hawkdun Range.
Homestead Track
Distance: 1.5 km
This pleasant short walk follows an old water race and starts at the Homestead campsite.
Mt Ida Water Race Track
Distance: 18 km
Well formed track with a gentle gradient that is great for the family. The track offers great views of the St Bathans Valley and opportunity for shorter loops. The track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks: Shepherds Hut Creek Track, Hut Creek and Pierces Gorge.
Mountain bike with the family. A track with a gentle gradient with oportunites for a shorter loop.
Little Kyeburn Track
Distance: 5 km
Popular tramping track to Buster Diggings (600 m climb) that travels up the Kyeburn Stream through remnant totara and native shrubland and up to the spectacular Buster Diggings and photographic Buster Hut. A great trip in summer, view the scenic waterfall and swim in the rock pools. From the Oteake Conservation Park entrance, travel along the flats to the start of the gorge and marked trail. Not suitable for mountain biking.
Getting there
There are several access points to Oteake Conservation Park on both the Otago and Canterbury sides. There are car parks at Hawkdun Runs Road, Home Hills Run Road, Mt Buster Road, Falls Dam and Broken Hut Road near Omarama. See details about access to individual tracks in the descriptions.
Several routes cross private land on registered easements. Respect this and keep to the formed tracks.
Know before you go
Weather: Oteake is subject to weather extremes. Take clothing for all weather. Avalanche can occur from May to November. See Be avalanche alert.
River crossings: Be aware of recent weather conditions in the catchment headwaters.
Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all conservation land. Check with the local information centres or DOC offices for the current fire status.
Communications: Mobile coverage is not reliable in the park. Satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons increase personal safety.
Topographical maps are essential for all backcountry trips.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.