Little Criffel Track

WalkOtagoOpen

Grade
Advanced
Walking time
8 hr
Distance
19 km
Route
One way
Biking time
Under 4 hours
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.nz

Access to/from the route is signposted from either the Larches car park (9.5 km from Wānaka) or the Avalon car park (12 km from Wānaka); Cardrona Valley Road.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Map

Loading map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.79093° S, 169.12717° E

Little Criffel Track, walk in Otago
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

About this place

This track is in the Pisa Conservation Area which lies between Wānaka and Cromwell.

The route

Avalon car park to Little Criffel Summit

Time: 3–4 hrs

km The route up to 1,341 m Little Criffel from Avalon car park is on a steep and unformed track. It provides a good opportunity for fit, experienced walkers to enjoy extensive views over the Upper Clutha Basin. It also gives a spectacular panorama of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiro o te Moana. From the car park, cross the Cardrona River and follow the markers and stiles up the hill to the summit of Little Criffel.

Little Criffel Summit to The Larches car park

Time: 3–4 hrs

km The marked route between the summit of Little Criffel and the Larches car park is mostly on a 4WD track apart from where it crosses through the Larches Conservation Area. This conservation area is a small pocket of shrubland dominated by kānuka, matagouri and native broom. A special lease area provides access between two sections of the Pisa Conservation Area – there are no marked tracks in this section to follow.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is permitted on the Larches track. This is an advanced level rated cycle track that involves some steep climbs and poor traction. Some sections will require riders to get off their bikes and walk.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Know before you go

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

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.

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Sources

  • DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
  • 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).