Suitable for 4WD vehicles, as well as horse riding and mountain biking, this track climbs a total of 500 m of elevation, steeply at first before easing towards the top. The highest point is 1200 m above sea level and provides good views over the Maniototo Plain.

Access

There is locked access at either end of this 4WD track – one at the car park and one at the hunting block boundary. If you're accessing the block in a 4WD or on horseback, you will need to get a combination for the lock on both gates from the DOC office. 

Summer access is open to horse and 4WD (1 November – 30 April). Stay on the formed track. Gate code can be obtain from the DOC office.

Winter access is open to horse only – no 4WD (1 May – 31 October). Gates code is required for horse access, contact Otepoti/Dunedin Office National Park Visitor Centre for information.

There is no public access from the Western Rock and Pillar Conservation Area to the main Rock and Pillar Conservation Area.

Access is south of Waipiata, via Orangapai and Hamilton Diggings along Hamilton Diggings Road. The car park is 1 km past Hamilton Diggings. From here the marked 4WD track climbs for about 3 km to the hunting block boundary.

Weather: The Rock and Pillar Conservation Area is very exposed and subject to extreme temperatures – hot and dry in summer, freezing cold and covered in snow in winter.

Avalanches: Avalanche terrain is classified as 'simple' at the northern end of the Rock and Pillar Range and on the tops, and 'complex' on the eastern faces. If you plan to be in this area in winter or spring be avalanche alert.