Lindis Valley Tracks
Tramping track
Getting there
The Lindis Valley is some 30 minutes drive from Wanaka on SH8, between Tarras and Omarama.
About the area
The Lindis Valley by SH8
Following tenure review on six properties in the Lindis Valley there are now several tracks for public recreation. Most of them follow 4WD roads and farm tracks and are suitable for reasonably fit walkers, runners and mountain bikers.There are good hill climbs, along with a range of circuits.
Description
Chain Hills and Coal Creek Conservation Area
Turnoff SH8 onto Goodger Road and, depending on the season and road condition, drive along the unsealed road to the Tim Burn or Pleasant Valley carparks. You can walk, run or bike from either carpark, Each has a panel with a map of the area and its tracks. The small Coal Creek Conservation Area protects a native fishery.
NB The Pleasant Valley carpark and the public access tracks that extend from it are closed for lambing from 10 October to 5 December each year.
The route along Dunstan Creek follows the marginal strip, the farm track is private.
Lindis Peak Track
Time: 5 hr return
The track start is by Faithful Road, near the turnoff from SH8. The track to the 1,226-metre summit has great panoramic views of the surrounding area, from the impressive St Bathans Range in the east, to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea in the west.
NB This track is also closed for lambing between 10 October and 5 December.
The Old Lindis Hotel, focus of the
Nine Mile Historic Reserve
Nine Mile Historic Reserve
Nine Mile Historic Reserve is six kilometres down Old Faithful Road and can be reached by vehicle, on foot or by mountain bike. The main focus here is the old stone Lindis Hotel; some of its walls were recently restored. The nearby Lindis River was the site of Otago's first gold discovery.
Camping is available in the reserve behind the hotel.
Activities
Mountain biking
Plan and prepare
- Neither hunting nor dogs are permitted on these tracks and reserves.
- Fires are not permitted in the historic reserve and campers are asked to take their rubbish with them.
- The only public toilet in the area is at the Nine Mile Historic Reserve.
- Access tracks cross private property. Please respect livestock and property, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
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