Obelisk Loop Track
WalkOtagoOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 10 km
- Route
- Loop
- Biking time
- 2 to 3 hr
- Dogs
- Under control
Access: read before you go
To access the start of this track 4WD vehicles should travel in pairs with recovery gear.
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.nzStarting from Alexandra:
To access the start of this track 4WD vehicles should travel in pairs with recovery gear.
Do not park near the transmitter building as radio waves can affect vehicle electronics.
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. 45.31614° S, 169.20824° E
About this place
This loop starts from the highest point on the range at Kopuwai. On a good day, you can see as far out as Rakiura/Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Mt Aspiring/Tititea.
The route
Obelisk Loop Track starts and ends at Kopuwai/Obelisk, the culturally significant rock tor at the highest point on the range – 1682 m high. You can walk this track as a loop or use it to get to other tracks in the area. The track offers great views and provides access to both: On a clear day, you can see as far as Rakiura/Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Mt Aspiring/Tititea. The high altitude landscape is dominated by open rocky herb fields that have interesting alpine plants. You'll also get to walk through wetlands.
Mountain biking
There are some steep pinches and rough sections.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Nicholsons Hut
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Boundary Hut
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Diggers Hut
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Old stone hut
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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
Nicholsons Track
Advanced • 1 hr 30 min return • 6 km • 3.44 km away
Kopuwai Track to Sisters Track
Advanced • 2 hr 30 min one way • 8 km • 5.64 km away
Omeo Gully Track
Advanced • 6 hr • 19 km • 6.04 km away
Prospect Hill Track
Advanced • 6–8 hr return • 20 km • 6.92 km away
Shek Harn Historic Reserve Track
Easy • 1 hr 30 min return • 4 km • 9.54 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.
Ask us to take this down
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).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.