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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: -44.71091, 168.42731. 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
- 8.3 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 to 6 hrs one way to the viewpoint
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Glenorchy 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
Follow Earnslaw Burn through bush to the tussock basin at the head of this valley for impressive views of an icefall on Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi.
This DOC directory entry covers Earnslaw Burn Track in Otago, within Glenorchy 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: 8.3 km one way
- Walking time: 4 to 6 hrs one way to the viewpoint
- 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
Follow the rough and technical Earnslaw Burn Track through the bush to a viewpoint. This viewpoint has impressive views of an icefall on Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi at the edge of the forest where the track ends. For shelter an overhanging rock is just within the forest on the true right, looking downstream, of Earnslaw Burn.
River crossing and route finding experience is essential. There is also windfall and slips along the track that you need to get over.
How to cross a river safely.
The DOC track ends at the forest edge and there is no marked DOC track beyond this point. DOC does not manage any hazards off the track or up the valley. The area is overgrown with speargrass.
Anything beyond the end of the DOC track is not included in the track time of 4-6 hours (one way). The waterfalls are an additional 1-hour walk (one way) further up the valley.
Getting there
The track starts on the true left bank of the Earnslaw Burn partway along Lovers Leap Road, a right turn off the gravelled Glenorchy - Paradise Road, 20 minutes from Glenorchy.
Know before you go
Camping
Camping is allowed on the public conservation land at the forest edge or Rock bivvy. Camping is not allowed on the private land in the upper valley. No fires allowed.
Be prepared
Earnslaw Burn Track does not have any toilet facilities, plan accordingly.
Hazards
This area is subject to severe weather events, flooding, frost/snow and extremes of temperature.
This is a challenging track which is not recommended for young children.
This track is difficult to find in places – you will need strong track finding skills
There can be extensive windfall along this track which may slow your progress
Numerous slips along Earnslaw Burn Track. Expect longer walking times.
The river crossing to get to the bivvy is dangerous in heavy rain
There is no toilet on the track. What to do if there's no toilet.
There is no mobile phone coverage in this area.
Completing the track in a day
If plan to complete the Earnslaw Burn track in a day, you need to consider:
day light hours – check NIWA Weather: Harris Saddle for sunrise and sunset times
whether you have the necessary fitness and navigation skills
bringing a communication devices (PLB).
It is a very long day walk. When tiredness and darkness set in, navigation is difficult.
Alternative hikes
If you do not have the necessary experience, fitness or gear, consider walking day walk tracks instead:
Lake Sylvan Track
Routeburn Nature Walk
If you have the fitness and gear, consider hiking this track instead:
Mt Judah/Heather Jock Tracks
Sugarloaf/Rockburn Track
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
