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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: -44.67343, 169.17842. 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
- 600 m one way
- Walking time
- 20 min one way
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Wānaka area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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 popular, gently-graded link track that connects Gunn Road with the Outlet Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Hikuwai Link Track in Otago, within Wānaka 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: 600 m one way
- Walking time: 20 min one way
- DOC grade: Easiest
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 starts at the Gunn Road entrance to Hikuwai Conservation Area and finishes at the junction with the Outlet Track.
It gently descends through kānuka shrubland to the Outlet Track above the Clutha River/Mata-Au.
Getting there
Access the Hikuwai Link Track from Gunn Road or from the Outlet Track.
Know before you go
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules and respect the track.
There are a range of cycling tracks, some suitable for children, made by Bike Wānaka in partnership with DOC. See the Bike Wānaka website for details.
Fishing
The section of the Clutha River by the Outlet Track is limited to fly fishing. Spinning is not allowed. A current fishing licence from Fish and Game New Zealand is required.
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.
