East Ahuriri Track

WalkCanterbury

Grade
Advanced
Walking time
2 days
Distance
27 km
Dogs
Under control

Access: read before you go

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land Leave gates as you find them Use stiles where provided Keep your distance from livestock.

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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.nz

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. It is 11 km down Birchwood Road to the start of the track at Avon Burn carpark.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Map

Loading map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.35532° S, 169.74929° E

East Ahuriri Track, walk in Canterbury
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

About this place

East Ahuriri Track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

The route

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail .

Birchwood Road to Ahuriri River

Time: 20 min

km This public access easement through private farmland provides access to the Ahuriri River. Follow marker poles beside the fenceline for 1 km to reach the river. If the river isn't safe to cross, walk downstream and cross at Ireland Bridge.

Ahuriri River to East Ahuriri Hut

km This tramping track is only lightly marked so is for experienced trampers. Travel up the Ahuriri River East Branch to an old musterer's hut which remains from the 1890s. This hut is now derelict but may offer some shelter if required.

East Ahuriri Hut to Lake Ohau Road

km As you travel upstream the valley becomes more vegetated with native matagouri. This track is lightly marked. Climb up out of the valley to swampy ground before heading down to Freehold Creek basin. A well formed track takes you out to Lake Ōhau.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Know before you go

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land Leave gates as you find them Use stiles where provided Keep your distance from livestock.

Dogs

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

Check the flow of the Ahuriri River

Check the flow of the river if you intend to cross before you go: Ahuriri River flow . It is safe to cross when the flow is 18 cubic metres per second (cumecs) or less.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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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).