Saddle Ridge Track
WalkCanterburyOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Distance
- 7 km
- Biking time
- Over 4 hours
- Dogs
- Under control
Access: read before you go
Saddle Ridge Track can be accessed from West Manuherikia 4WD Track and East Manuherikia 4WD Track.
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.nzSaddle Ridge Track can be accessed from West Manuherikia 4WD Track and East Manuherikia 4WD Track.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.62921° S, 169.99818° E
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About this place
A rough and steep track that links the West and East Manuherikia 4WD Tracks. There are spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook.
The route
Starting from the saddle on the East Manuherikia 4WD Track, the track climbs the ridge and then descends steeply to Omarama Saddle, where it meets the West Manuherikia 4WD Track. Loop options:
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Pack the right gear
Take clothing for all weather – this includes packing warm, waterproof clothing and sun protection. Topographical maps are essential for all backcountry trips. Carry equipment for emergencies, including a torch, first aid kit, spare food and water, and something to use as an emergency shelter. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable. We recommend carrying a distress beacon. 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
Oteake Conservation Park has avalanche terrain. Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Otamatapaio Hut
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Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Sailors Cutting Campsite
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Sailors Cutting Campsite is a camping area located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The provided records do not list specific facilities, prices, or…
Lake Benmore Holiday Park
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Lake Benmore Holiday Park is a campsite located in the Canterbury region. The site is currently closed for the 2025/2026 season.
Boundary Creek Hut
Standard • 8 bunks • Otago • 15.8 km
Boundary Creek Hut is an 8-bunk hut located in the Central Otago region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Loch Laird Campsite
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Loch Laird Campsite is a camping area located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The provided records do not list specific facilities or additional…
Walks nearby

Otamatapaio River easement
Advanced • 3 hr • 10 km • 0 km away
Dog Gully Route
Expert • 2 hr • 5 km • 1.22 km away
Baldy Knob Route
Expert • 3-4 hours (Otamatapaio Scenic Reserve to Oteake Conservation Park boundary) • 11.5 km • 2.54 km away

Ewe Range Track
Advanced • 3 hr • 6.5 km • 7.45 km away

Otamatakou Track
Easy • 1hr 30 min – 2 hr • 5.5 km one way • 10.12 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.