Shotover Saddle Route
WalkOtagoOpen
- Grade
- Expert
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Distance
- 4 km
- Route
- Return
- 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.nzCheck the Department of Conservation – Wānaka & Queenstown Facebook page for the latest road conditions.
Road conditions
Check the Department of Conservation – Wānaka & Queenstown Facebook page for the latest road conditions.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.51177° S, 168.68589° E

About this place
The Shotover Saddle Route offers magnificent views of the West Matukituki and Rob Roy valleys.
The route
The start of this marked but largely unformed route is 5 km from the Raspberry Creek car park, just before the Brides Veil waterfall. A sign indicates the start of the route. The route climbs steeply up towards Shotover Saddle. It begins with pasture land and patches of bracken before reaching higher tussock slopes. The marked route ends just below the saddle itself, on a shelf with a large tarn. From the shelf, there are views across the West Matukituki valley to Rob Roy Peak. Beyond the end of the route, off-track tramping experience and navigational skills are required. Permission is required from Branches Station for those who plan to exit the route via the Shotover River.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
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.
Bad weather
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website .
Avalanche risk
This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information .
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
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Cascade Hut
Otago • 2.5 km
Aspiring Hut
Serviced Alpine • 32 bunks • Otago • 4.4 km
Aspiring Hut is a historic stone building located in the Matukituki Valley in Otago. It serves as a popular overnight stop for families and those new to…
Heating • Mattresses • Lighting
Aspiring Campsite
Backcountry • Otago • 4.5 km
Aspiring Campsite is a campsite located in the Otago region. It is situated outside Aspiring Hut.
Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Toilets - non-flush • Toilets
Raspberry Creek carpark
Otago • 4.6 km
Raspberry Creek carpark is on Wānaka Mount Aspiring Road, 54 km west of Wānaka. Camping is restricted to between 5pm and 9am.
Spot for a tent
Otago • 5.2 km
Spot for a tent is a campsite located in the Otago region. The available data does not specify any additional facilities or details about this site.
Walks nearby

Rob Roy Track
Easy • 3–4 hr • 10 km • 3.5 km away

French Ridge Track
Advanced • 6 hr - 7 hr 30 min one way • 16.2 km one way from car park • 4 km away

Cascade Saddle Route
Expert • 4-5 days one way • 6.71 km away

Liverpool Track
Advanced • 6 hr 30 min one way • 15 km one way from car park • 6.81 km away

West Matukituki Track
Intermediate • 6 hr one way • 17.2 km one way • 6.81 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
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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).