Lake Ohau tracks

Track category

Short walk
Walking track
Tramping track
Route
Mountain bike - Intermediate

Description

Freehold Creek

Parsons Creek viewpoint

Track classification: Short walk
Time: 10 min to viewpoint

It's all uphill from the carpark, but the climb is rewarded with a view over the mountain beech forest area. An interpretation panel tells you all about the native mistletoes/pikirangi that can be spotted within the forest.

Parsons Creek to Freehold Creek bushline

Walkers on Freehold Creek track

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6 km

This track provides an opportunity to see mistletoe/pikirangi up close, with flowering season usually from November to December. The track travels along an old glacial moraine terrace, with bridges over the creeks. The keen observer will note old snig tracks off the main Freehold Creek track (after crossing Freehold Creek bridge). This area was once used extensively for beech logging when timber was in short supply (late 1880's).

Freehold Creek bushline to Dumb-bell Lake

Track classification: Unmarked route
Time: 4 hr

This an unmarked route climbs up to the scree covered mountain tops, then traverses down to Dumb-bell Lake.

Parsons Mountain Bike Track

Track classification: Mountain bike - Intermediate
Time: 1 - 1.5 hr
Distance: 8 km circuit

This single-track starts at the ford crossing on Ohau Snow Fields access road. Follow the mountain bike signs to descend near Glen Mary Ski Club huts. All the creeks encountered are bridged. This track is also popular with walkers.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Maitland valley

Lake Ohau to Maitland Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 10 km

Initial travel is on private land so you need to seek permission from Lake Ohau Station to start this track. The track is well-marked to Maitland Hut through beech forest. It is an unmarked route to Snowy Gorge Hut, around a 4 hour tramp away.

Tramper in upper Maitland valley.

Maitland Hut to Snowy Gorge Hut

Track classification: Unmarked route
Time: 5 hr
Distance: 8 km

After leaving the beech forest behind, climb past tussocks and spaniards to the saddle at 1352 m and descend to Snowy Gorge Hut near a moraine wall (Ahuriri Conservation Park). This route is unmarked.

Please note: To reach public conservation land in the Maitland Valley you will travel through a private farm which is Lake Ohau Station. Drive slowly and give way to all farm traffic and stock.

Temple valley

Temple valley circuit track

Track classification: Walking track
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 1.5 km

This short track climbs up through the mountain beech forest and provides a view into South Temple valley.

Temple valley campsite to North Temple cirque

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 5 km

After crossing North Temple stream the track travels through the beech forest margin (along the true right of the stream) and ends at an impressive cirque basin.

South Temple valley

Temple valley campsite to South Temple Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr 30 mins
Distance: 7 km

This track travels along the true left of South Temple stream. You need to cross this stream just before reaching South Temple Hut, which may be tricky after high rainfall.

Getting there

Lake Ohau lies in the centre of the South Island. It is 4 hours drive south of Christchurch and 3.5 hours drive north of Dunedin.

Activities

Mountain biking and cycling

Track description

Plan and prepare

Topographical maps for the area: BZ14.

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.

back to top