The initial part of this track is a public access easement through private farmland. It follows a fence that marks the boundary of the Ahuriri Conservation Park before crossing the Avon Burn and continuing along a farm track. Once past Tin Hut (private) the track climbs steadily as you enter Hāwea Conservation Park and continue to Mt Martha Saddle (1680 m). It's then 7 km downhill to to Top Timaru Hut. This track is part of Te Araroa.

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 18 km south of Omarama. Travel a further 11 km down Birchwood Road to the start of the track at Avon Burn carpark.

Avalanche risk

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.