Mount Ida Water Race Track
WalkOtago
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Distance
- 18 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
The track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks, off Home Hills Runs Road:
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.nzThe track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks, off Home Hills Runs Road:
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.82745° S, 169.95505° E
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About this place
This track follows a water race which is still in use. It has great views of the St Bathans basin and Falls Dam valley. The track is overgrown with sections of long grass and washouts.
The route
From the end of Shepherds Hut Creek Track, the track leads along the foot of the Hawkdun Range. It ends at Pierces Gorge. From here, follow a 4WD track for 1km/15 mins to end at Home Hills Runs Road. The intersecting 4WD tracks provide an opportunity for shorter loops. There are unbridged streams on the track. Assess these carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Pack the right gear
Take clothing for all weather including warm, waterproof clothing and sun protection. DOC packing lists
Be careful of rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river 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. Be aware of weather conditions in the catchment headwaters. Check fords before entry. How to cross rivers safely
No fires
Fires are not allowed anywhere in Oteake Conservation Park.
Check the weather forecast
NIWA Weather: Ida Railway Hut
Shared use tracks
Many of the tracks in Oteake Conservation Park are shared use. You may encounter walkers, mountain bikers and people riding horses. Take care and respect other track users.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches most frequently occur from May to November in Oteake Conservation Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period if there is still snow coverage. You should always follow the three components of avalanche safety: Have the relevant avalanche skills and training. Check the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory information for the area you’re going in to. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe. The following page has ATES information for Oteake Conservation Park. Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago New Zealand Avalanche Advisory is provided by the Mountain Safety Council. New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Homestead Campsite
Basic • Otago • 7.7 km
Homestead Campsite is a basic, isolated campsite in Central Otago. It serves as a base for mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and tramping in the nearby St…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Wire Yards Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Canterbury • 13 km
Wire Yards Hut is a basic hut located in the Mount Ida Conservation Area.
Mattresses
St Bathans Campsite
Basic • Otago • 13.1 km
St Bathans Campsite is a basic campsite located in the remote and historic area of Central Otago. It offers a base for exploring the St Bathans township or…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Toilets - non-flush
Boundary Creek Hut
Standard • 8 bunks • Otago • 13.5 km
Boundary Creek Hut is an 8-bunk hut located in the Central Otago region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
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A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
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).