Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Sawcut Gorge.
Sawcut Gorge/Isolated Hill Route

Located in Isolated Hill Scenic Reserve in the Marlborough region

The track to Sawcut Gorge is closed. Access to Isolated Hill Reserve is possible by experienced trampers by walking up the hydro parcels.

The track to Sawcut Gorge is closed.

Access to Isolated Hill Reserve is possible by walking up the hydro parcels, as identified on Walking Access New Zealand’s map. However this access should only be attempted by those with a high level of backcountry experience and skill. Otherwise helicopter access is advised.

Turn off State Highway 1 on the north side of the Waima River Bridge, 55 km south of Blenheim 72 km north of Kaikoura, into the Waima/Ure Valley.

Follow the narrow gravel road up 7 km and park at the DOC carpark to access the walk from the riverbed.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in the reserve with a dog permit from the South Marlborough Area Office.

Dogs must be kept under control and not used for hunting until well within the DOC hunting area.

Follow these simple guidelines:

  • Keep your dog under control, preferably with a leash, at all times
  • A dog out of sight is a dog out of control
  • Carry a leash and use it
  • Ensure that your dog does not disrupt other people's enjoyment of the park
  • Clean up after your dog
  • Dog droppings may contain harmful bacteria or diseases that can easily spread to farm animals, so be sure to remove your dog’s waste.

Hunters should check where pesticides have been used on conservation land and ask relevant landowners about pesticide use before taking dogs into hunting areas.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

This is a geologically and botanically interesting area that invites exploration by experienced walkers and hunters.

The vegetation varies from beech forest to tussock grasslands, while some of Marlborough's unique and/or threatened plants cling tenaciously to the steep rock walls. Intensive goat, possum and weed control programmes are undertaken in this reserve to protect these plants.

Much of the rock here is stark white limestone, interspersed with grey wedges of argillite, sandstone and mudstone. Several pools along Isolated Creek smell distinctly of sulphur.