East Ahuriri Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

East Ahuriri Track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers East Ahuriri Track in Canterbury, within Ahuriri Conservation 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 - 2 days
• 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

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

Birchwood Road to Ahuriri River

Time: 20 minDistance: 1 km

This public access easement through private farmland provides access to the Ahuriri River. Follow marker poles beside the fenceline for 1 km to reach the river. If the river isn't safe to cross, walk downstream and cross at Ireland Bridge.

Ahuriri River to East Ahuriri Hut

Distance: 10 km

This tramping track is only lightly marked so is for experienced trampers. Travel up the Ahuriri River East Branch to an old musterer's hut which remains from the 1890s. This hut is now derelict but may offer some shelter if required.

East Ahuriri Hut to Lake Ohau Road

Distance: 16 km

As you travel upstream the valley becomes more vegetated with native matagouri. This track is lightly marked. Climb up out of the valley to swampy ground before heading down to Freehold Creek basin. A well formed track takes you out to Lake Ōhau.

Getting there

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. It is 11 km down Birchwood Road to the start of the track at Avon Burn carpark.

Know before you go

Map: NZTopo50 CA14 Lindis Pass, BZ14 Mount Barth

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.

Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land

• Leave gates as you find them

• Use stiles where provided

• Keep your distance from livestock.

Dogs

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

Check the flow of the Ahuriri River

Check the flow of the river if you intend to cross before you go: Ahuriri River flow. It is safe to cross when the flow is 18 cubic metres per second (cumecs) or less.

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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.