Through a network of farm tracks, access routes connect SH8 and the Manuherika Basin near St Bathans. 

Occupying a commanding position at the northern end of the Dunstan Mountains, this wonderful, scenic upland landscape provides an interesting mix of terrain including: rocky outcrops, gorges, open tussockland, alpine cushionfields and tor studded alpine tops. 

Lauder Station Road - Cluden Creek Car park

31 km

Seasonal restrictions: Vehicle access via the easements is unavailable from 1 May to 30 November annually. Horse riders can access the conservation area during this period except between the 20 September to the Thursday prior to Labour weekend annually when the Lauder easement is closed for lambing - access is still available for horse riders via the Cluden easement during this time.

Lauder Basin Conservation Area Map (PDF 1,129K)

The Lauder and Cluden easement tracks have locked gates, motorised vehicle users and horse riders will need to complete the online application for paddlock codes to gain entry into the Lauder Basin Conservation area.

Lauder Station Easement track

Lauder Station Road to Lauder Basin Conservation Area boundary: 6 km

Entry to the Lauder Basin Conservation area via Lauder Station for 4WD vehicle, walking, mountain biking and horse riding is on formed 4WD farm track . Some sections of road are rough with steep drop offs.

The easement across Lauder Station allows for 4WD motor vehicle use only, motor cycles and all terrain vehicles are not permitted.

Lauder Basin Conservation Area road

Lauder Station Boundary to Cluden Station Boundary: 18 km

Access through the Lauder Conservation area for vehicle, walking, mountain biking and horse riding is along a formed 4WD farm track. Some sections of road are quite rutted and can be boggy after rain.

Cluden Station Easement

Lauder Basin Conservation Area boundary to Cluden Creek Car park: 7 km

Cluden Creek Car park to Cluden Quarry Car Park: 8 km

Access to the Lauder Basin Conservation area via Cluden Station for vehicle, walking, mountain biking and horse riding is on formed 4WD farm track. Some sections of road are rough with steep drop offs.

Cluden Creek Track

Cluden Creek Car park via Cluden Creek Track to Lauder Basin Conservation Area road: 20 km

Walking, biking and horse access is permitted along formed 4WD farm track. Some sections of road are rough with steep drop offs. Sections of track may be boggy after rain.

Note: The gate to Cluden Creek Track from Cluden Creek car park is locked (no key available), horses can only enter/exit Cluden Creek Track via the top entry point off Lauder Basin Conservation Area Road.

As with motor vehicle entry, horse riders will need to complete the online application for padlock codes to gain entry to the Lauder Basin Conservation area.

Cluden Creek Conservation Area

Cluden Creek Car park to Cluden Creek Conservation Area: 500 m

Top access via Lauder Basin Conservation Area road to Cluden Conservation Area: 2 km

Access into this small conservation area is signed from both entrance points. Walking access only is permitted. There are no marked tracks within the conservation area.

Dunstan Pass

Cluden Creek Track/Chain Hills Track junction over Dunstan Pass to Dunstan Creek: 4 km

From the junction of Cluden Creek, Dunstan Pass and Chain Hills Tracks, the track climbs up to Dunstan Pass before making its descent to Dunstan Creek. Walking, mountain bike and horse access are permitted on this section of track.

Chain Hills Extension Track

Chain Hills extension track from Cluden Creek Track/Dunstan Pass junction to Long Acre Track junction: 15 km

This undulating track allows for walking, mountain bike and horse access. At the junction of the Long Acre track, this extension connects to the existing 5 km Chain Hills Track.

Sailors Creek Track

Sailors Creek Car park – Lauder Basin Conservation Area Boundary: 2 km

Access to this block is from Cambrian Road, off St Bathans Loop Road, 10 km north of Becks. 2WD access extends as far as the carpark at Sailors Creek. From here, a walking, mountain biking and horse easement starts from a stile.

Access from the east is through Lauder Station. From SH85 heading towards St Bathans, turn on to Loop road, then turn on to Lauder Station road. The car park is on the right before the end of Lauder Station road.

The car park access to Cluden is located off SH8 Tarras – Lindis Pass road. Turn onto Cluden Creek Rd, the first car park is the Cluden Quarry car park. 8kms further along Cluden Creek Rd is the second car park called the Cluden car park.

Weather

• In summer very hot and dry conditions are common. Carrying an adequate supply of both drinking water and sun protection is essential.
• In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions. Be prepared.

Access is by easements (crossing private land)

• These tracks cross and border private land. Respect livestock and property, ensure gates are left as you found them and that, where provided, stiles are used.
• The Lauder access easement is closed annually for lambing and calving from 20 September to the Thursday prior to Labour weekend inclusive.
• The Lauder and Cluden easements are closed to 4WD vehicles 1 May to 30 November annually.
• The easement across Lauder Station allows for 4WD motor vehicle use only, motor cycles and all terrain vehicles are not permitted.
• Vehicles are not permitted on the Lauder and Cluden Station easements between 8 pm and 7 am.

When entering through Cluden Station, access is allowed up the road past the Cluden Station no trespassing sign. Follow the orange poles to stay on the public track.

Camping, dogs and fire

• Camping is permitted on conservation land only. Camping on the access easements or in the car parks is not permitted.
• Dogs are permitted in the conservation area but must be confined in a vehicle at all times on the Lauder and Cluden easement tracks.
• Fires are not permitted.

Avalanche risk

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