Nicholsons Track
WalkOtagoOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 6 km
- Route
- Return
- Biking time
- 1 hr return
- Dogs
- Under control
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.nzNicholsons Track is in the heart of the Kopuwai Conservation Area.
There's no carpark – park just off the road at the start of the track.
Road access to Kopuwai Conservation Area is on dry-weather, largely un-maintained legal roads. In winter the roads become impassable because of snow and ground conditions.
This area is subject to weather extremes at any time of year and roads can become very wet and swampy. Check the weather forecast or contact Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Winter access – roads impassable
Road access to Kopuwai Conservation Area is on dry-weather, largely un-maintained legal roads. In winter the roads become impassable because of snow and ground conditions. This area is subject to weather extremes at any time of year and roads can become very wet and swampy. Check the weather forecast or contact Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 45.34579° S, 169.19576° E
About this place
This short track takes you from the top of Symes Road through beautiful tussock country to Nicholson Hut.
The route
Nicholsons Track is a high altitude steep track starting at 1600 m before dropping down to Nicholsons Hut at 1400 m. Near the hut the remains of the gold mining days can be seen in the water races and rock tailings. The hut sits beside a small stream that drains from a wetland catchment. You can explore the historic features from the gold mining era along Fraser River and the many wetland plants. For people with alpine snow experience, this area offers great ski touring, snow shoeing, and kite skiing opportunities. More about snow experiences in Kopuwai Conservation Area .
Mountain biking
1 hr return – 20 minutes down and 40 minutes pushing your bike back up. This is a short but relatively steep track.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Boundary Hut
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Boundary Hut is a basic three-bunk hut located in the Central Otago area.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from stream
Diggers Hut
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Potters Huts
Southland • 9.9 km
Potters Huts is a backcountry hut located in the Southland region of New Zealand. The available records provide no further details regarding its specific…
Whites Hut
Otago • 10.3 km
Whites Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Otago region of New Zealand. The provided records do not include specific details regarding its facilities,…
Old stone hut
Otago • 10.9 km
Old stone hut is a basic shelter located in the Otago region. It is a simple structure suitable for overnight stays in the backcountry.
Walks nearby
Obelisk Loop Track
Advanced • 3 hr 30 min loop • 10 km • 3.44 km away
Kopuwai Track to Sisters Track
Advanced • 2 hr 30 min one way • 8 km • 6.25 km away
Omeo Gully Track
Advanced • 6 hr • 19 km • 9.29 km away
Prospect Hill Track
Advanced • 6–8 hr return • 20 km • 10.31 km away
Flat Top Hill Tramping Track
Advanced • 2 – 3 hr • 6 km • 11.55 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
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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.