By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -44.98980, 169.28602. 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
- 13 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 4-6 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Bendigo area
- 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 access track to the Bendigo Conservation Area provides good views of Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Range.
This DOC directory entry covers Devils Creek Track in Otago, within Bendigo area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 13 km return via same track
- Walking time: 4-6 hr return
- 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This public easement will lead you from SH8 up a steep farm track to the boundary of Bendigo Conservation Area near Pt 1035. There are good views of Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Range from the tops.
Although the track ends at the conservation area boundary, experienced trampers with navigational skills can carry on cross-country to the summits of Mount Kinaki (1,309 m) and Mount Apiti (1,509 m), or all the way through to Thomson Gorge Road.
If you are planning to tramp beyond the Devils Creek Track into the conservation area in winter, you may cross areas of avalanche risk.
Getting there
The track starts from a small car park located along SH8 on the eastern side of Lake Dunstan, 9 km north of Cromwell.
Know before you go
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors and follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
The Central Otago climate can swing to either extreme in the course of a day. In winter the ranges are blanketed in snow, a complete contrast to the dry and very hot conditions of summer. Prepare for these extremes with suitable clothing and equipment: sun hat, sun screen, water, warm and waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
When walking ensure that you have a map and compass. The relevant NZTopo50 series map for this area is CB13 Tarras.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.
If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:
Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
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.
