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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.12090, 169.34447. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 3.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This well-graded track follows a section of the old Bridle Track, the first link between Otago and Westland.
This DOC directory entry covers Bridle Track in Otago, within Mount Aspiring National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 3.5 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min one way
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Predator control for Mt Aspiring National Park; First published on 16 September 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This well-graded forest path follows a section of the old Bridle Track, the first link between Otago and Westland.
We recommend walkers use two vehicles (one at each end) or walk back the same way. Avoid walking back along the state highway as it is narrow and very busy.
For a longer walk, consider adding a side trip to Haast Pass Lookout (1 hr return), which starts on the other side of SH6 at Haast Pass/Tioripatea summit.
Getting there
There are two car parks (Davis Flat and Haast Pass/Tioripatea summit), both located approximately 80 km north of Wanaka on the Haast Pass Highway (SH6).
Know before you go
The nearest toilet facilities are located at the Cameron Flat campsite, 10 km south along SH6.
Davis Flat car park is in danger of being washed out during heavy rain. Do not leave your vehicle overnight during heavy rain forecast.
No visitor centre in Makarora
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Drone use on conservation land
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
