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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: -44.17624, 170.01205. 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
- 7-8 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruataniwha Conservation Park / Twizel 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
Trace the Fraser Stream into the foot of the Ben Ohau Range then traverse the Old Dusky Block to follow the Gladstone and Twizel rivers back out to the Mt Cook Highway.
This DOC directory entry covers Dusky Trail in Canterbury, within Ruataniwha Conservation Park / Twizel 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 7-8 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.
- Wallaby control operation for Ruataniwha Conservation Park; First published on 11 June 2026. Last reviewed on 24 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Starting north of Twizel from the Pukaki Canal Road, you will be beside the Fraser Stream with tempting swimming holes in the lower sections. It crosses the stream twice on the way into the hills and then traverses across the Gladstone Valley through tall tussock and bog pine and offers good views over the Pukaki Moraine Country.
Then follow the Gladstone Stream down an old farm track to another stream crossing to the true left of the Twizel River. This will take you out through the Pukaki lateral moraine to the Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.
Mountain biking
Cycle this track in a clockwise direction starting at Fraser Stream. The crossing through Twizel River may contain didymo so it is best to cycle this section last. Remember to check, clean and dry after your ride to prevent the spread of didymo between waterways.
Getting there
From Twizel travel 6 km on Glen Lyon Road and turn left after crossing the canal. Alternatively travel 12 km north of Twizel and on to Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.
Look out for a small interpretation sign on the side of Glen Lyon Road. There is a shingle area here for car parking.
Know before you go
Unbridged stream crossings are required at three places. Some of this track is an easement across farmland – do not interfere with stock and leave gates as you find them.
Map: NZTopo50 BZ15, Twizel
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.
