Dusky Trail
WalkCanterburyOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 8 hr
- Distance
- 23 km
- Biking time
- 3-4 hr
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzFrom Twizel travel 6 km on Glen Lyon Road and turn left after crossing the canal. Alternatively travel 12 km north of Twizel and on to Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.
Look out for a small interpretation sign on the side of Glen Lyon Road. There is a shingle area here for car parking.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.17624° S, 170.01205° E
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About this place
Trace the Fraser Stream into the foot of the Ben Ohau Range then traverse the Old Dusky Block to follow the Gladstone and Twizel rivers back out to the Mt Cook Highway.
The route
Starting north of Twizel from the Pukaki Canal Road, you will be beside the Fraser Stream with tempting swimming holes in the lower sections. It crosses the stream twice on the way into the hills and then traverses across the Gladstone Valley through tall tussock and bog pine and offers good views over the Pukaki Moraine Country. Then follow the Gladstone Stream down an old farm track to another stream crossing to the true left of the Twizel River. This will take you out through the Pukaki lateral moraine to the Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.
Mountain biking
Cycle this track in a clockwise direction starting at Fraser Stream. The crossing through Twizel River may contain didymo so it is best to cycle this section last. Remember to check, clean and dry after your ride to prevent the spread of didymo between waterways.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Lake Poaka Campsite
Basic • Canterbury • 7.6 km
Lake Poaka Campsite is located in the Canterbury region near Twizel. It serves as a base for recreational activities in the surrounding area and offers an…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream • Toilets - non-flush
Lake Poaka Amenity area
Canterbury • 7.9 km
Lake Poaka campsite is on Lake Poaka Access Road, off State Highway 8 north of Pukaki Canal. The maximum stay is four nights, with 30 non-powered and tent…
Baikie Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Canterbury • 8.7 km
Baikie Hut is a basic four-bunk hut located in Ruataniwha Conservation Park in Canterbury. It provides simple accommodation for visitors to the area.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Lake Wardell
Canterbury • 9 km
Twizel Holiday Park
Canterbury • 11 km
Twizel Holiday Park is a campsite located in the Canterbury region. It provides accommodation for visitors traveling through the area.
Walks nearby
Rhoboro Track
Advanced • Under 1 hour • 9.77 km • 2.5 km away
Baikie Hut Track
Advanced • 3 hr one way • 9 km • 7.07 km away
Flanagan Pass Trail
Advanced • 6 hr • 18 km return or 19 km via Pyramid Track • 8.02 km away
Pukaki Boulders Track
Easiest • 10 min one way • 200 m • 8.63 km away
Marker Bay Track
Easiest • 20 min return • 1 km • 9.74 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.