Benmore Range access track
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Access to Benmore Range Conservation Area
Time: 7 hr return,
Distance: 17 km return, 800 m vertical
This track starts near the Wairepo Arm recreational area approximately 5.5 km south of Twizel, and is signposted on the eastern side when travelling south along SH 8.
The track is an access easement to the Benmore Range Conservation Area. The easement crosses a stile and follows a boundary fence directly uphill and along the top of the range to public conservation land. Users are asked to keep to the marked easement on the southern side of the boundary fence (right-hand side of the fence walking up the easement).
This is a steep walk along old sheep tracks beside the fence line. About 2 km along the easement walkers get fantastic views looking down upon Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel and the mountains beyond.
To walk to point 1672 m at the top of Benmore Range Conservation Area takes a full day (8 - 9 hours). The New Zealand falcon/kārearea, sky lark, chukor, California quail and the New Zealand pipit/pihoihoi can all be found in the conservation area, as well as the common skink and gecko/mokomoko.
Respect public access easements through private land: stay on the track, leave gates as you find them, do not disturb stock.
Getting there
The walking-only access easement to the Benmore Range Conservation Area is signposted at the northern boundary of Glenbrook Station, near the southern access road to the Wairepo Arm recreational area.
Plan and prepare
The relevant maps are NZ Topographic Maps H38 and H39.
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