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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: -45.06662, 168.92311. 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
- 8 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Remarkables Conservation 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
The track follows the historic Welshmen’s Water Race through several creeks, then steadily climbs to Ben Cruachan with good views of Lake Wakatipu, the Basin and Nevis Bluff.
This DOC directory entry covers Glenroy Water Race Track in Otago, within Remarkables 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the Coal Pit Rd car park, the route follows the historic Welshmen’s Water Race through several creeks, then steadily climbs to the Remarkables Conservation Area boundary. The route then follows Mt Salmond Ridge to Ben Cruachan to give good views of Lake Wakatipu, the Basin and Nevis Bluff.
The water race was built by Welshmen for what were unsuccessful gold mining operations around Gibbston.
Crosses private land.
Getting there
This track begins at the end of Coal Pit Saddle Road.
Know before you go
This is a high altitude walk and suitable for summer only, when snow may still be present. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
No vehicles.
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.
