Roaring Meg Pack Track
Located in Pisa Conservation Area in the Otago region
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Introduction
The Roaring Meg Pack Track can be completed in a day or as an overnight tramp staying at Meg Hut. It goes up and over the Pisa Range from Cardrona valley to Kawarau Gorge.18 km one way
Dog access
Carpark to Tuohys Saddle
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 6 km
From Tuohys Gully carpark, follow a 4WD track climbing steadily up to Tuohys Saddle (1,140 m). At the top, the track forks.
To make this an overnight trip, take the left fork towards Meg Hut. Otherwise, take the right fork to continue through the Roaring Meg / Te Wai a Korokio gorge and on towards Kawarau Gorge.
Side trip: Tuohys Saddle to Meg Hut
Time: 30 min
Distance: 2 km
From the saddle the track descends 200 m to Meg Hut.
Tuohys Saddle to Roaring Meg power station
Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 12 km
From the saddle, the poled track descends past Miners Hut (private) and follows gentle terrain until it reaches Plank Creek. Here the Roaring Meg stream must be crossed – this may be impassable during/after heavy rain.
From there, the track becomes narrower as it sidles on the true left of the Roaring Meg. It crosses Skeleton Stream shortly before joining an unmarked 4WD road through private land to the Roaring Meg power station in the Kawarau Gorge. This part of the track is not maintained by DOC and not highlighted on the map.
The section from the Roaring Meg power station to the conservation boundary crosses a private working farm. To ensure continued access through this section you must respect the landowner's conditions: no dogs, mountain bikes or firearms are permitted.
There are two carparks at either end of this track.
Tuohys Gully carpark
- Starting on the Cardrona Valley Road turn left into the entrance to Waiorau Snow Farm.
- Tuohys Gully carpark is signposted to the right immediately after the bridge.
- Follow the farm road until you reach the carpark in a small paddock. Leave gates as you find them
Roaring Meg carpark
Located across the road from the Roaring Meg power station.
- Starting in Cromwell, follow signs for Queenstown to drive down Kawarau Gorge Road (SH6).
- Roaring Meg power station is around 12 km along the road.
Weather
In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Carrying an adequate supply of both drinking water and sun protection is essential.
In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions.
Adverse weather: The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present.
Check the Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website.
Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November.
Firearms
Firearms are not permitted on easements through private property including transportation in vehicles. Entry with a firearm is only allowed via Rock Peak Track.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but entry and exit is restricted to the Rock Peak Track. All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog including transporting them in vehicles.
Private property
This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times or go around if necessary.
No camping until the conservation area boundary.
Stay safe in the outdoors
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 443 7660 |
| wanakavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Ballantyne Road Wanaka 9305 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |