Sawyers and Parsons Creek to Freehold Creek Track
Located in Ahuriri Conservation Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Climb up past mountain beech and native mistletoes to an ancient glacial moraine terrace. This track is in the Lake Ōhau area.To get to Freehold Creek Track you'll need to get to Freehold Creek bushline
Parsons Creek to Freehold Creek bushline
Track category: Tramping track
Time: 2 - 3 hr
Distance: 6 km
This track has always been a favourite with visitors to Lake Ōhau. Look out for the DOC sign and car park just before the one-lane bridge over Parsons Creek on Lake Ohau Road.
Climb up past mountain beech and native mistletoes to an ancient glacial moraine terrace. A gravelled track for the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail goes along this terrace and makes easy walking. Watch out for mountain bikers on any hidden corners. Cross Freehold Creek bridge and turn right to walk uphill on Freehold Creek Track, on an old beech logging trail. Check out the distinctive curved nature of the track which is where bullocks (young bulls) dragged large beech and totara logs from the forest over 100 years ago.
At the bushline the vegetation changes to sub alpine scrub, scree slopes and tussock country.
Sawyers Creek access to Freehold Creek bushline
Track category: Tramping track
Time: 45 min
Distance: 2 km
This track provides a more direct route to Freehold Creek and starts at Glen Mary Ski Club huts. It is also part of Te Araroa. Please park in the designated area near Lake Ohau Road, not by the huts. Toilets are here for public use.
Freehold Creek bushline to Dumb-bell Lake
Track category: Route
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 4 km
There is a lightly marked route in Freehold Creek basin to follow uphill. Travel past a tarn at 1479 m and climb up to the ridge. Sidle through the low part of the ridge between high points 1922 m and 1817 m. Head north to Lake Dumb-bell outlet.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
To reach the start of the Freehold Creek and Tarnbrae Track, turn off SH 8 onto Lake Ohau Road, 13 km from Twizel.
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14, BZ15
Fire damage
These tracks are open but were affected by the Lake Ōhau fire in October 2020. The landscape is still recovering from the severe fire damage.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
Te Manahuna / Twizel Office | |
Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | info@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
15 Wairepo Road Twizel 7901 |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag 951 Twizel 7944 |
Full office details |