Kirtle Burn Track starts at the western end of the Pisa Conservation Area. Access from Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road is through Snow Farm or Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (see Getting there.)

The upper loop of the track starts with a steep zig-zag track, gaining a ridge line that can be followed most of the way to Mt Pisa. A turn-off from the track drops down to Kirtle Burn Hut. From the hut, the lower trail following the Roaring Meg/Kirtle Burn can be used to finish the loop, returning to the Pisa Conservation Area boundary.

The lower part of the loop along the river crosses the stream twice – take care if coming downhill by mountain bike, or in snow conditions which may conceal the streams.

This track can also be used to link with the Pisa Range Ridge Track and to access Mt Pisa.

Kirtle Burn Track is accessible by mountain bike in summer. For a larger biking trip, it can also be connected to the Pisa Range Ridge Track. Some parts of the trail can be very rocky and some cyclists may choose to walk some sections. Take care going downhill via the lower Kirtle Burn Track, where two stream crossings are required.

Access to Kirtle Burn Hut

Access is from Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road, 1500 m above sea level along 13 km on gravel road. Chains may be required in winter. The Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road is 22 km from Wanaka off the Cardrona Valley Road.

Access to Pisa Conservation Area

Access is either through Snow Farm trails or the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. Note Snow Farm access is about double the distance of the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.

Snow Farm

Parking at Snow Farm and accessing the Pisa Conservation Area via Snow Farm trails.

Winter (June-September)

• $10 per person per day if buying a backcountry trail pass at the Snow Farm ticketing office or online 
• Buy a season pass from Snow Farm that allows access all winter from $165 (early bird rate) 

Summer (October-May)

• $20 to park, paid at the honesty box in the carparking area
• A $10 koha donation is requested from Snow Farm for the use of their trails in summer, bookable on their website 

Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds

Parking at Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds and accessing Pisa Conservation area via legal easement

• $20 per vehicle, pay at office after being directed from security gate, then be escorted to the car park
• For more information, contact: admin@shpg.co.nz or call +64 3 443 0344

Adverse weather 

The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk, even in summer. 

Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. The Pisa Range is also prone to severe winds.

Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear.

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. It is essential to carry an adequate supply of drinking water and sun protection.

Check the Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website.

Avalanche risk

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

View avalanche information.

Private property and permissions

Access to the Western side of the Pisa Conservation area is gained either through Snow Farm or Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground. See Getting there.

The Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground operates year-round, so be aware of moving machinery and vehicles in the Snow Farm Lodge car park at all times. Access roads adjacent to the estate area are used for vehicle testing, extreme care is required. Photographs or recording devices are not permitted, this includes the use of unmanned aircraft systems/drones. 

Respect the landowner's property. Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land.

Firearms

Entry to Pisa Conservation Area with a firearm is only allowed via Rock Peak Track.

Dog access

Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but entry/exit is restricted to the Crown Saddle car park access.

All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog - including transporting them in vehicles.