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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: -44.22025, 169.58577. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3 hr 50 min one way
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- Location
- Ahuriri Conservation Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
Discover spectacular waterfalls and a rock bivvy in the Canyon Creek area.
This DOC directory entry covers Canyon Creek Track in Canterbury, within Ahuriri 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: 3 hr 50 min one way
- DOC grade: Advanced; Expert
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
Birchwood Road end to Canyon Creek campsite
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 20 minDistance: 1.5 km
The Canyon Creek campsite is a short walk from the road end. There is a long-drop toilet and flat areas to put up a tent amongst the mountain beech trees.
Walk to Canyon Creek campsite
Canyon Creek campsite to Canyon Creek bushline
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 1 hrDistance: 3.5 km
Follow the markers from the campsite to where you cross Canyon Creek. After the creek crossing the track rises steadily through beech forest to an impressive view point in the canyon. The track continues on the true right of Canyon Creek to the bush edge.
Canyon Creek bushline to Canyon Creek bivvy
Track category: RouteTime: 2 hr 30 minDistance: 3.5 km
It's worth stopping on your journey to admire spectacular waterfalls at the head of Canyon Creek. There is a steep climb over rocky bluffs to gain access to the upper Canyon Creek basin. The rock bivvy lies on the true right of Canyon Creek at coordinates E1328216, N5102551 or grid reference BZ14 282 025.
Trampers enjoy a trip to Canyon Creek waterfalls
Getting there
Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. The road is suitable for cars until the conservation park boundary 21 km down Birchwood Road. After that a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required to travel the 12 km to the road end.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mount Barth
Fallen trees; expect longer walking times
The beech forest section of this track has been severely damaged by wind and snow and is not well maintained.
The track is difficult to follow at times. It requires extra time even for experienced trampers.
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.
