Image: Karl Blass | DOC
Redcliff Creek, Takitimu Mountains.
Takitimu Conservation Area

Located in the Southland region

The Takitimu Mountains are an impressive landform that provides opportunities for tramping, hunting and fishing amongst attractive open beech forest, tussock and screes.

The mountains are obvious from most places in Southland, particularly during winter when the tops are covered in snow. 

The Takitimu Mountains are located in western Southland. Formed legal access is from Princhester Road (off SH 94) and the Dunrobin Valley Road south of Mossburn.

Formed legal access is limited to the Aparima River Track which starts at Pleasant Creek on Dunrobin Valley Road, and the Princhester Road. Adjoining land owners generally grant access across their properties if asked, but permission must be sought.

  • Pleasant Valley Station - Phone +64 3 248 6133 or +64 27 285 9226
  • Waterloo Station - Phone +64 27 433 5946

For your safety during March and April, the 'roar' (deer hunting season), you should wear hi-viz clothing and pack covers when tramping in the area.

There may be avalanche danger

Check the avalanche terrain in this area.

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Fiordland National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

  1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
  2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
  3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.

The Takitimu mountain range is named after the ancient Maori migration waka (canoe) Takitimu. The Ngāi Tahu Deed of Settlement places a topuni, a special recognition of Ngāi Tahu cultural, spiritual, historic and traditional values over the Takitimu mountain range.