Benmore Range access track
Tramping track
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.
About the area
These two Benmore Range conservation areas came from Glenbrook Station completing the tenure review process.
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 metres 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.
Plan and prepare
The relevant maps are NZ Topographic Maps H38 and H39.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required
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