Oteake Conservation Park tramping tracks

Track category

Tramping track

Description

All the tracks listed here are suitable for mountain biking as well as tramping. 4WD vehicles are not permitted on these tracks.

Ewe Range Track

Distance: 6 km

From Broken Hut Road carpark a well formed track accesses the Ewe Range. Backcountry experience is necessary to continue travelling to the Hawkdun Range.

Otamatapaio Track

Distance: 20 km

The signposted carpark is just off SH83 by the Otamatapaio Station driveway. For the first 8km travel on the riverbed - there isn't a formed track. After a bridge over the river, a public track follows up the river to the 4-bunk Otamatapaio Hut.

Hawkdun Range, Oteake Conservation
Park

Mutton Creek Track

Distance: 6 km

Links the lower sections of the West and East Manuherikia Tracks, as a short loop option for cyclists and trampers. At both ends there's a steep climb on a rough track.

Saddle Ridge Track

Distance: 7 km

A longer loop that links the upper West and East Manuherikia Tracks along the saddle ridge.

Berwen Track

Distance: 4 km

A marked track that crosses private farmland and links the East Manuherikia Track with the Hawkdun Range.

Homestead Track

Distance: 1.5 km

This pleasant walk is within public conservation land. The track starts at the Homestead Campsite, sidles below the old water race and has good range and river views.

Mt Ida Water Race Track

Distance: 18 km

The track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks: Shepherds Hut Creek Track, Hut Creek and Pierces Gorge. It follows the functioning Mt Ida Water Race on a gentle and well formed track.

Mt Kyeburn Track

Distance: 6 km

Starts at the Buster Diggings and finishes just below Mt Kyeburn. Although it's steep, it's on good ground and has stunning views of the St Marys and other ranges.

Getting there

There are several access points on both the Otago and Canterbury sides of the park, the mains one being carparks at Hawkdun Runs Road, Falls Dam, Home Hills Run Road, Mt Buster Road in the Maniototo, and on Broken Hut Road from the Waitaki Valley. Details on how to get to individual tracks can be found in the descriptions below.

Much of the public access into the park is along easements crossing private land. Please respect this by driving carefully, keeping to tracks and roads, and leaving gates as you find them.

Activities

Plan and prepare

Weather

In summer hot, dry conditions are prevalent. Carry plenty of water. Alpine conditions may occur at any time of year. An avalanche risk may exist between May and October.

River crossings

Treat all rivers and streams with respect. Be aware of recent weather conditions. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.

Fire

Fire restrictions apply. Check with the local information centre or DOC office for current fire status.

Communications

Cell phone coverage is not reliable in the park. Satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons increase personal safety.

Safety is your responsibility

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoor Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details of your trip.

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