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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: -43.30721, 171.73815. 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
- 4.2 km one way
- Walking time
- 2–3 hr down, 2–4 hr up
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands 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
Follow the beginning of the old coach road.
This DOC directory entry covers Coach Stream Route in Canterbury, within Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands 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: 4.2 km one way
- Walking time: 2–3 hr down, 2–4 hr up
- DOC grade: 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Note: No dogs are allowed on this route as it crosses private farmland.
This is a unmarked route – suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped trampers. It is subject to low cloud and poor visibility. Topographic maps, route finding and navigation skills are essential. When snow covers the ground, routes will be less obvious and there is also risk of avalanches.
Starting at the bottom of Porters Pass, follow a well-worn trail up the Coach Stream Route to junction with the Trig M Route. Follow the Trig M Route to the trig point. You can return the same way, or follow the Trig M Route down.
The Trig M Route finishes at the Starvation Gully carpark halfway between the top of Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon. It is best if you have two cars, one in each car park, as walking is not recommended between these carparks.
Getting there
The Coach Stream Route begins at carpark at the bottom of Porters Pass on SH73.
Know before you go
This route is unmarked and suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped people.
Winter snow and ice could make these routes difficult and dangerous.
NZTopo50 map BW21 (Springfield) covers this area.
Times are approximate and one way.
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.
