Walking, mountain bike and horse access is available from the Cattle Yards carpark, follow the marked farm track steadily up the hill for approximately 2.5 km to the Pomahaka Conservation Area boundary.

From the conservation area boundary there is a good internal network of unmarked farm tracks providing access onto the Whitecoomb Range, The Nobbies, and Island Creek parts of the conservation area. Visitors may roam at will but require good route-finding and backcountry skills - respect this alpine environment by avoiding fragile areas.

Several options exist for mountain biking in this area, expect climbs and descents over changeable terrain. Ensure you have a map and a good sense of direction. To reduce the impact on the natural environment it is recommended that mountain bikers stick to the formed farm tracks – though these are limited, there is good access via these to Gem Lake.

The Pomahaka Conservation area lies on the eastern side of the Umbrella range between Roxburgh and Ettrick, SH8; off Aitcheson Runs Road in the Upper Catchment of the Pomahaka River, 32 km from Ettrick (42 km from central Roxburgh).

There are various entry points on the gravel road from SH8 to the Pomahaka Conservation Area.

From Ettrick the most direct is following Moa Flat road (opposite Turners and Growers warehouses) right onto MacKay Road and finally right onto Aitchenson Runs Road.

The Pomahaka bridge marks the start of the 4.7km 4WD road access to the carpark at the Cattle Yards. The road from the bridge to the carpark with road slumps and two fords is more suited for 4WD vehicles. This road passes through a working farm. When using the access road be mindful of farming operations, including the landowners request to avoid using the road over the lambing/calving period from 20 October to 20 November annually. 

Dogs are permitted in the main conservation area but need permission from Gem Lake Station. Contact the station to enter via the easement track. Dogs must be dosed against sheep measles and a certificate must be supplied.

How to obtain a sheep measles certificate.

This public access track crosses through a working high-country station. Respect the landowner’s livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation lands.
• Leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.

The Nobbies Track gets rutted and slippery in wet conditions and is not suitable for vehicles.

In this area summers tend to be mild and winters are cold with frequent frosts. Moderate rainfall throughout the year is mostly from the southwest and fog is common at any time of year. In summer carry plenty of water. 

The higher country is subject to snow during the winter months and some sections may be prone to avalanche danger.

Rivers in this region can rise rapidly, if crossing be prepared to wait if necessary.

Fires are not permitted.