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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: -44.91130, 169.47721. 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
- 4 - 6 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Dry Creek and Neinei i kura Conservation Areas
- Seasonal restrictions
- The upper section of the Dry Creek Track - is closed annually for lambing from 10 October to 21 November inclusive.
- 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
The Cloudy Peak Track from its 1526 m high point, provides fantastic views of the Upper Clutha plains and peaks of the Lindis and St Bathans ranges.
This DOC directory entry covers Cloudy Peak Track in Otago, within Dry Creek and Neinei i kura Conservation Areas. 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: 4 - 6 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.
Seasonal restrictions
The upper section of the Dry Creek Track - is closed annually for lambing from 10 October to 21 November inclusive.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A one hour walk brings you to the start of the Cloudy Peak Track where track markers lead you through the Dry Creek Conservation Area before you commence a steady climb along a 4WD ridge line track to the Neinei i kura Conservation Area. From this point an unmarked 4WD track leads to the 1526 m summit of Cloudy Peak.
From Cloudy Peak a visual highlight of this sprawling landscape is wide open skies and views of the Upper Clutha plains and peaks towards St Bathans and the Lindis.
Getting there
The car park access to Dry Creek, Cloudy Peak and Neinei i Kura is located on Ardgour Road, Tarras. Ardgour Road is a loop road with access either 2 km north or 6 km South of Tarras.
Know before you go
In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common so make sure you carry plenty of water and have adequate protection against the sun.
Alpine conditions may be experienced at any time of the year, with the higher country being subject to snow during the winter months. Ensure you carry suitable clothing and study boots. Be prepared.
These public access tracks cross through a working high country station. Respect the landowner’s livestock and property; stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation lands, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
The Cloudy Peak access through Dry Creek Conservation area to the Neinei i kura Conservation Area is open all year. Contact the Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre for more details.
Camping is permitted on conservation land only.
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.
