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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: -44.77164, 169.89654. 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
- 1.7 km one way
- Walking time
- 45 min
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Oteake Conservation Park
- Seasonal restrictions
- Oteake is subject to flooding, snowfall and weather extremes. In winter this area is blanketed with snow, extremely cold and exposed.
- 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
This short track that follows an old water race.
This DOC directory entry covers Homestead Track in Otago, within Oteake 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: 1.7 km one way
- Walking time: 45 min
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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.
Seasonal restrictions
Oteake is subject to flooding, snowfall and weather extremes. In winter this area is blanketed with snow, extremely cold and exposed.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts at Homestead Campsite. It follows an old water race and ends at West Manuherikia 4WD Track.
There are unbridged streams on the track. Assess these carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.
Dogs are allowed on this track, but not on West Manuherikia 4WD Track.
Getting there
The track starts at Homestead Campsite. From State Highway 85, turn into the Ranfurly end of Loop Road (St Bathans) and follow for 6.5 km. Turn into Hawkdun Runs Road and follow for 15 km to the campsite. It is a gravel road, with one unbridged ford. Check fords before entry.
Know before you go
Pack the right gear
Oteake has flooding, snowfall and extreme weather.
DOC packing lists
Be careful of rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river 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.
Be aware of weather conditions in the catchment headwaters. Check fords before entry.
How to cross rivers safely
No fires
Fires are not allowed anywhere in Oteake Conservation Park.
Check the weather forecast
NIWA Weather: Ida Railway Hut
Shared use tracks
Many of the tracks in Oteake Conservation Park are shared use. You may encounter walkers, mountain bikers and people riding horses. Take care and respect other track users.
Avalanches
Oteake Conservation Park has avalanche terrain.
Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago
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.
