Omarama tracks

Track category

Tramping track
Mountain bike - Easy
Mountain bike - Intermediate
Horse riding

Description

These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Ewe Range Track

Track classification: Tramping track ; Horse riding
Time: 3 hrs
Distance: 7 km
It is a steady climb on a 4WD farm track to the top of Ewe Range, where striking views await the keen tramper.

West Manuherikia Track to Top Hut

Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Intermediate ; Horse riding
Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 11 km
This walk is along a maintained 4WD road. It is a gradual climb up to Omarama Saddle (1260 m) and then a quick descent to Top Hut.

Mountain biking: Riding up West Manuherikia provides a good gradient and traction for mountain bikers and a short descent to Top Hut.

4WD: This is a popular 4WD trip when the tracks are open to vehicles (Labour Weekend to 30 April).

Mountain bikers on Omarama Saddle

Manuherikia Track Circuit

Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Advanced ; Horse riding
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 20 km; 1020 m vertical
This will appeal more to bikers, but can be walked as the Saddle Ridge track section is interesting.

Mountain biking: From the Broken Hut carpark ride up West Manuherikia Track to Omarama Saddle (1273 m). Turn left up the Saddle Ridge track (it is quite a climb from Omarama Saddle so expect bike pushing). It is then all downhill back to Little Omarama Saddle and down East Manuherikia Track to the carpark.

SH83 to Otamatapaio Hut

Track classification: Tramping track ; Horse riding
Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 20 km
Park at the sign posted car park just off SH83 by Otamatapaio Station drive way. Walking access is up the Otamatapaio Riverbed or along the true left of the river. There is no formed track but after approximately 8 km there is a marked public easement to Otamatapaio Hut. As a courtesy please contact Bog Roy Station +64 3 4389 400.

Wairepo Kettleholes Conservation Area

Track classification: Walking track ; Mountain bike - Easy
Time: 2 hrs return
Distance: 7 km
From Quailburn Road the initial walking track is an easement through private farmland and follows the fenceline. A stile leads over into the conservation area and from here it is a short distance to the kettleholes. Nestled amongst old glacial moraines, these wetlands are known as 'ephemeral wetlands', which means they fill up with water over winter and then dry up over summer.

Mountain biking: It is straight forward mountain biking to the conservation area, and then once over the stile there is no formed track.

Killermont Conservation Area - SH8 to Wether Range Conservation Area

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 3 km; 860 m vertical
This public access easement follows a steep ridgeline directly off SH8, south of Omarama. It is a very direct access to the tops of the Wether Range.

Killermont Conservation Area - Berwen Road to Wether Range Conservation Area

Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Intermediate ; Horse riding
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km
If you can persevere with this walk to the second farm gate then this walk starts to get interesting. There is no formed track as such as this is a public access easement that follows a boundary fenceline. Towards the end of the track you need to ford Manuka Creek and the route starts to get boggy after crossing the stream. The vast array of native vegetation beside Manuka Creek within Wether Range Conservation Area will appeal to people with an interest in plants.

Mountain biking: This isn't an easy ride but if you have the patience to push your bike in a few necessary sections (scrubby vegetation) then you will enjoy the trip.

Getting there

Omarama is located 4 hours drive south of Christchurch on State Highway 8 and 3 hours north of Dunedin.

Activities

Horse riding / Mountain biking and cycling

Track descriptions

Plan and prepare

Topographical map for the area: CA15.

Be prepared: The climate in Mackenzie Basin 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 Tekapo Information Centre or Te Manahuna Area DOC 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.

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.

Before heading out:

• check weather conditions
• carry a map/GPS
• make sure your bike is roadworthy and carry all necessary repair tools
• leave intentions with someone at home
• carry appropriate food, water and clothing
• reduce the spread of didymo by making sure your bike is clean and dry from your last ride

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