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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: -44.20793, 169.92168. 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
- 6 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
A link track from the Greta Stream Track which crosses Flanagan Pass and connects to the Pyramid Track at Darts Bush Stream. It is also possible to 4 wheel drive to Dorcy Airstrip and walk to the Pass from there.
This DOC directory entry covers Flanagan Pass 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: 6 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
Flanagan Pass Track begins a short way along the Greta Stream Track. Traverse Ben Ohau Range to the Old Dorcy Airstrip and on to Flanagan Pass.
There are fantastic views of both aspects of the Ben Ohau Range and Lake Ohau. From there you can return or continue down to Darts Bush Stream.
Mountain biking
Look out for this ride as it branches off Darts Bush Stream Track. The track up to Flanagan Pass has suffered from water run-off over the years so some bike pushing may be required. The diagonal grassy descent down to Greta Track car park on Lake Ohau side is a good riding option.
Horse riding
Flanagan Pass Trail is suitable for horse riding.
Getting there
From Twizel travel 22 km on Glen Lyon Road via the Pukaki and Ohau canal roads.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ15, Twizel
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.
History and culture
Prior to the construction of the Glen Lyon Road, Flanagan Pass was the only land route into Glen Lyon Station. The only remnants of this history is the old phone poles beside the track in a few places.
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.
