Buicks Bridge to Potts Bridge Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Travel from the South Branch Ashburton River to the Potts River via Lake Clearwater. This track is part of Te Araroa - New Zealand's trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Buicks Bridge to Potts Bridge Track in Canterbury, within Hakatere Conservation 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 7 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

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.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

The track starts at the south side of Buicks Bridge, which crosses the South Branch Ashburton River / Hakatere. From here, marker poles lead westward across open country toward the gap between Mt Guy and Dogs Hill.

At the 5 km mark, the track crosses a fence line and later it joins an old farm track, where it stays for another 5km. At this point, the marked track turns left and heads towards a saddle at the western end of Mt Guy. It passes a tarn along the way.

From the Saddle, there are sweeping views over Lake Clearwater towards the Harper Range. In the distance you can see the Rangitata River.

Follow the fence line down to the creek at the base of the hill. The track then heads south-west towards the head of Lake Clearwater and joins with another old farm track, which continues towards the Potts River but stops at a gate.

The track heads northward here to avoid crossing private property then bends around towards the lip on the Potts River's true left bank. Once on the lip, the track stays high and follows the fence line. It then drops steeply into a gully, which opens to the Potts River bed. If the Potts River is running clear then the best travel is usually downstream direct to the carpark at the road bridge.

If the Potts River is discoloured this exit may be impassable. The proper course then is up the other side of the gully. Trampers are then able to remain on the Potts River side of the fence line through to the road. From here it’s a short walk downhill to the car park and trailhead.

Mountain biking

These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Getting there

This track starts from Buicks Bridge, 4 km along Hakatere Heron Road from Hakatere. Hakatere is about 50 minutes inland from Ashburton.

You can also start the track from the Potts River car park on Hakatere Potts Road, about 40 km west of Mount Somers. Leave Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, which becomes Hakatere Potts Road.

Know before you go

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

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.