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.nz

Check 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

Loading map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.51177° S, 168.68589° E

Shotover Saddle Route, walk in Otago
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

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.

Notes from people who have been

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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).