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Otago · Hiking

Doom Link Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

Illustrative photograph. General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details

Doom Link Track in Otago: This is a short, very steep track.

Last checked 8 October 2026 · Department of Conservation

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On this page

Key facts

Distance
600 m one way
Walking time
30 min
Track grade
Advanced
Location
Flat Top Hill Conservation Area

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 is a short, very steep track.

This DOC directory entry covers Doom Link Track in Otago, within Flat Top Hill Conservation 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: 600 m one way
  • Walking time: 30 min
  • 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.

Description

This is steep track that connects Purple Haze Track to the top of the Rock of Doom Track. Riders who are not comfortable riding this should not attempt Rock of Doom but instead can loop back to the car park along Asha Track.

Map and elevation profile on Trailforks.

Mountain biking

Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) has developed mountain biking trails in this area in partnership with DOC. These trails are purpose-built bike trails marked on the ground with blue markers.

Getting there

Access to Flat Top Hill Conservation Area is via an easement over private land. Respect private property by keeping dogs on leashes until you reach the conservation area.

Travel south from Alexandra for 6 km along State Highway 8. Turn left into the Flat Top Hill carpark near Butchers Dam.

Know before you go

This is a hot dry very exposed area, take water, a sunhat and wind protection. There is a toilet along the Butchers Dam Loop Track.

This track branches off the Basin View Tramping Track (or Purple Haze Track for bikers) in the far northern end of the Flat Top Hill Conservation area. It provides access to the Rock of Doom Track.

Nature and conservation

Flat Top Hill Conservation Area lies at the foot of Kopuwai Conservation Area. It contains one of New Zealand’s most threatened ecosystems – dry, short tussockland – with native species that grow in the driest conditions. The area includes impressive rock outcrops.

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.

Sources & official links

  1. 1.Doom Link Track: official route information— Department of Conservation
  2. 2.DOC walking and tramping directory— Department of Conservation

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