Lake Benmore walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
Tramping track
Mountain bike - Easy
Description
Otamatakou Scenic Reserve
Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Easy
Time: 2 hrs
Distance: 5.5 km
This reserve is part of Oteake Conservation Park and protects many native plants. There are no formed tracks within the actual reserve.
Mountain biking: Bikers can ride the marked farm track and once at the reserve, explore the area on foot.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Walkers enjoy stunning views of Lake Benmore
Benmore Peninsula
Track classification: Walking track
Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Distance: 4 km
This walk climbs up through exotic forest and traverses around a peninsula jutting out into Lake Benmore.
Getting there
Lake Benmore is located within Waitaki Valley and is approximately 3 hours drive north of Dunedin.
Plan and prepare
Topographical maps for the area: CA15, CA16.
Be prepared: The climate in this region is traditionally very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. New Zealand weather can change very rapidly so trampers need to be prepared for a range of conditions.
Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all public conservation land. Check with the Omarama Information Centre or DOC's Te Manahuna Area office for the current fire status.
River crossing: Be aware of weather conditions in catchment headwaters. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.