Glen Dene Ridge Track
WalkOtagoOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 14 hr
- Distance
- 30 km
- Route
- Return
- Dogs
- No dogs
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.nzIsthmus Peak Track car park is off SH6, north of Lake Hāwea township and 30 minutes drive from Wanaka.
Take care parking and crossing the road – this is a busy carpark beside the highway.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.50744° S, 169.17901° E
About this place
Cross the undulating skyline ridge on Glen Dene Ridge Track.
The route
Trampers will need to be fit to walk this steep track. It is well-marked – make sure you stick to the established trail as it is on private land. From the car park, cross SH6 to the start of the track. Follow the track through the forest and across some farmland, until it joins a 4WD track. From here it is a steep rocky ascent that switchbacks up to a skyline ridge. Along the track, you won’t be able to see the summit until you are almost at the ridge; don’t be fooled by the false summits on the approach. It is a steep and lengthy climb as you gain 1000 m over 8 km. Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water as there are no water sources along the track. On reaching the ridge, a sign points to Isthmus Peak Track on the right and Glen Dene Ridge Track on the left. Glen Dene Ridge Track along the tops traverses a number of unnamed peaks. It takes you into the Matatiaho Conservation Area . There is no public access beyond the conservation area. Return to the Isthmus Peak Track car park by the same route. You can mountain bike this track but on many sections you will have to dismount and push your bike.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Bad weather
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website .
Be avalanche alert
Avalanches can occur in any season. Any time that snow and steep slopes are combined there is potential for an avalanche. You need to understand the risks before you visit avalanche-prone country. This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track .
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.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
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Sawyer Burn Hut
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The Camp
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The Camp is a campsite located in the Otago region. The provided records do not list specific facilities or additional details for this location.
Lake Hawea Camping
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Lake Hawea Camping is a campsite located in the Otago region. It provides a base for visitors exploring the Lake Hawea area.
Walks nearby
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.