Description
Pukaki Flats Conservation Area
The Pukaki Flats area is 1.5 km north of Twizel.
Track category: Walking Track
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6 km
The Pukaki flats walk is very flat - over an open block of hard tussock grasslands. An old farm track follows a fence line and leads northeast to Pukaki River. The track forms part of Te Araroa from Twizel to Tekapo.
Native plant species found here include mat daisies, native broom, blue tussock and native daphne. The views from here looking to Ben Ohau Range and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana are stunning on a fine day.
Mountain biking
Track category: Easy/Grade 2
Time: 1 hr
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through here and provides a good riding surface.
Horse riding
Pukaki Flats Conservation Area is suitable for horse riding.
Pukaki Flats Conservation Area
Twizel River Trail
Track category: Walking Track
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Distance: 12 km
This is a lovely walk alongside Twizel River. The river is intermittently lined with willow trees that provide plenty of shade. Walkers may also enjoy the opportunity to find uncrowded swimming holes and picnic spots.
Most of this track is a public access easement through private farm land so please keep to the track. Some sections of the track are threatened with flooding when river levels are high.
Twizel River Trail is signposted directly opposite the town.
Mountain biking
Track category: Easy/Grade 2
Time: 2 hr
This is a good single track ride. It may get washed out in this middle section so you may need to push your bike in places. At the trail end, return the same way or alternatively, follow Ohau River Road back to the start.
Mountain biking on the Twizel River Trail
Getting there
Both tracks are located off SH8.
Mountain biking
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo 50 BZ15 Twizel, BZ16 Dover Pass
Private property: This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times/go around if necessary.
No camping until the conservation area boundary.