West Manuherikia Track

Time: 3 – 4 hr
Distance: 11 km from Broken Hut Road car park to Top Hut
Dog access: You can take your dog into Top Hut if it is confined to a vehicle while crossing private farmland at the start. If you are on foot, taking your dog is not an option. 

This well-marked 4WD track from Broken Hut Road to Top Hut crosses Omarama Saddle (1260 m). Over summer people can 4WD directly to the hut so it may be full. The track highpoints are often covered in snow during winter and spring. In a good winter, this track is ideal for ski-touring.

From Top Hut to Hawkdun Runs Road is a further 19 km (one way) with numerous river crossings on a well-marked 4WD track. This track passes Boundary Creek Hut which is 8.5 km from Top Hut.

Four-wheel driving 

Seasonal restrictions: The East and West Manuherikia are not a through road for vehicles from 1 April to Labour Weekend - vehicles can drive to Boundary Creek Hut and Top Hut but not beyond during this period. There is a locked gate on the Omarama side of the conservation area.

The upper section below Omarama Saddle is narrow and prone to rock slips after heavy rainfall.

Horse riding

The West Manuherikia Track is suitable for horse riding.

Mountain biking

Time: 2 – 3 hr
Distance: 11 km from Broken Hut Road car park to Top Hut

The climb up to Omarama Saddle has a good riding surface. It's then a straight forward descent to Top Hut.

Four wheel driving

Seasonal restrictions: The East and West Manuherikia Tracks are open to 4WDs from Labour Weekend to 30 April each year if track conditions are suitable. Snowfall blocks the tracks in winter.

The West Manuherikia Track is longer than the East Manuherikia Track and involves more river crossings. The upper section below Omarama Saddle is narrow and prone to rock slips after heavy rainfall.

Vehicles are not permitted on Saddle Ridge Track.

Horse riding

The East Manuherikia Track is suitable for horse riding.

Mountain biking

Time: 2 - 3 hr
Distance: 11 km (from Broken Hut Rd. car park to Top Hut)

The climb up to Omarama Saddle has a good riding surface. It's then a straight forward descent to Top Hut

Manuherikia Track loop options

Full loop from Hawdun Runs Rd up East Branch to Broken Hut carpark and down West Branch back to Hawken Runs Rd. 50 km full day bike or multi day tramp. 

Full Loop from Broken Hut carpark via West and East Branch back to Broken Hut carpark. 43 km full day bike or multi day tramp

Loop from Hawdun Runs Rd up East Branch along Saddle Ridge Track and down West Branch. 43 km full day bike/4WD or multi day tramp

Loop from Broken Hut Road carpark up West Manuherikia Track, along Saddle Ridge Track and down East Manuherikia Track back to carpark. The Saddle Ridge Track is a rocky surface and not as well formed as East and West Manuherikia Tracks.22 km (5-6 hr), 
Distance: 22 km

See the Oteake Conservation Park brochure for more options. 

Turn down Broken Hut Road, 1 km south of Omarama. This road turns into a gravel surface so drive carefully. At the road end there is a formed car park and interpretation panel.

Map: NZTopo50 CA14 Lindis Pass, CA15 Omarama

The East and West Manuherikia are not a through road for vehicles from 1 April to Labour Weekend - vehicles can drive to Boundary Creek Hut and Top Hut but not beyond during this period. There is a locked gate on the eastern side of the conservation area.

These tracks may also be used by trampers and mountain-bikers. Drive carefully and consider other users.

The 4WD roads in the conservation park are often damaged by weather events. Be prepared to turn around if conditions are unsuitable for your vehicle or too challenging for your off road driving skills.

Stay on the formed marked roads and do not widen them. This is a fragile natural environment.

Travel in groups. If winching is necessary, use another vehicle rather than a landscape feature to avoid damaging the landscape.

Follow the 4WD care code. This helps the long-term sustainability of the activity and the environment.

Weather: Oteake is subject to weather extremes. Take clothing for all weather. Avalanche can occur from May to November. See Be avalanche alert.

River crossings: Be aware of recent weather conditions in the catchment headwaters.

Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all conservation land. Check with the local information centres or DOC offices for the current fire status.

Communications: Mobile coverage is not reliable in the park. Satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons increase personal safety.