Lake Ohau - Dobson valley tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Route
Description
Glen Lyon Station to Grough Hut
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 8 hrs
Distance: 26 km
This area is mostly visited by 4WD given the long distance to travel to Grough Hut. There are many river crossings to negotiate.
View beyond Kennedy Hut looking at Upper Dobson valley
Grough Hut to Kennedy Hut
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr 30 mins
Distance: 6 km
Kennedy Hut is found on the edge of beech forest on the true right of Dobson valley.
Kennedy Hut to Waterfall Hut
Track classification: Route
Time: 2 hrs
Distance: 6 km
The route to Waterfall Hut is mostly in the Dobson riverbed.
Waterfall Hut to Reardon Hut
Track classification: Route
Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Distance: 3.5 km
Reardon Hut is at the head of Dobson valley.
Getting there
Dobson valley is reached via Glen Lyon Road which travels along the eastern edge of Lake Ohau.
Permission is required from Glen Lyon Station to drive along the 4WD track through private farmland: +64 3 438 9644 or +64 3 438 9642.
Plan and prepare
Topographical maps for the area: BY15.
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 Twizel 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.
Windfall: Because of the danger of falling branches, it is not advisable to camp under beech forest.
Avalanche: Avalanche run-out zones can impact on the valley floor from May to November. Carry 457 khz transceivers, probes and shovels in avalanche terrain.
Communications: Cell phone coverage cannot be relied upon in this region. The use of satellite phones or mountain radios is recommended instead. At the very least trampers should be carrying a personal locator beacon.
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