Hopkins valley tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Hopkins valley, in Ruataniwha Conservation Park, is near Lake Ōhau.

This DOC directory entry covers Hopkins valley tracks in Canterbury, within Ruataniwha 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: 21 - 35 km return via same track
• Walking time: 7 - 11 hr 30 min hr one way
• DOC grade: Intermediate; 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 on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Ram Hill carpark to Monument Hut

Track category: Tramping trackTime: 2 - 3 hrDistance: 9 km

Follow the 4wd track from Ram Hill carpark on the true right of the valley. You don't need to cross any rivers to reach the hut.

Mountain biking

Track category: Easy/Grade 2Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 9 km

It's a straight forward mountain bike to Monument Hut. Some mountain bikers choose to carry on to Red Hut or Elcho Hut - river crossing and backcountry skills are required for this.

Monument Hut - Dasler Biv

Monument Hut to Red Hut

Track category: Tramping trackTime: 2 hrDistance: 6 km

As with the rest of the Hopkins valley, the route is on the river flats and crossing points change with the river braids so this route is largely unmarked. From Monument Hut it is usually easiest to stay on the true right until after crossing the Huxley River before crossing the main Hopkins River to reach Red Hut on the true left.

Red Hut to Dasler Biv

Track category: Tramping trackTime: 3 hrDistance: 6 km

From Red Hut follow the old 4WD track to the start of Dasler Biv Track. The steep track is signposted on the Hopkins River flats. Part way up you'll need to negotiate a small rock bluff. It's well worth continuing above Dasler Biv to emerge out of the alpine scrub for great views.

Monument Hut - Richardson Rock Biv

Apart from a track into the Huxley gorge swing bridge for high water egress, travel between the huts is on the valley floor. There is an unmarked route from Huxley gorge via Elcho hut to Cullers and Dodger and on to Erceg and Richardson Rock bivvy at the head of the valley.

Monument Hut to Elcho Hut

Track category: Advanced tramping trackTime: 4 hrDistance: 9 km

The most direct route to Elcho Hut on foot is to stay on the true right of Hopkins valley. Elcho Hut is a New Zealand Alpine Club Hut.

From Elcho Hut, climbers can access North Elcho on the North Elcho Stream Route. This challenging route (2.5 km/1 hr one way) follows the true right of the Elcho stream to the Elcho bridge.

Elcho Hut to Cullers Hut

Track category: Advanced tramping trackTime: 30 minDistance: 1.5 km

Cullers Hut (also known as Apricot Hut) is often overlooked as it is tucked way off the beaten path. Cross Elcho Stream and look for the hut in the bush margin.

Cullers Hut to Dodger Hut

Track category: Advanced tramping trackTime: 2 hrDistance: 5.5 km

Cross Apricot flat and ford the Hopkins River. The track across Dodger fan begins on the true left at the confluence of Dodger stream.

Dodger Hut to Erceg Hut

Track category: RouteTime: 3 hrDistance: 7 km

People often underestimate how long it takes to get to Erceg Hut. There is a DOC sign for the hut clearly visible in the riverbed.

Erceg Hut to Richardson Rock Biv

Track category: RouteTime: 1 hrDistance: 3 km

From Erceg Hut stay on the true left to reach the rock biv.

Four wheel driving

Do not drive:

• in the Huxley valley, the true right of the Hopkins valley between the Huxley confluence and Elcho Stream, or

• beyond Elcho Stream into the upper Hopkins valley.

Keep vehicles on formed tracks.

Horse riding

The Hopkins valley is good for horse riding when river levels are low.

Horse paddock at Red Hut.

Getting there

Maps: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mt Barth, BY14 Mt Ward, BY15 Birch Hill

Hopkins valley is at the end of Lake Ohau Road, 60 km from Twizel. Follow SH 6 from Twizel, then turn into Lake Ohau Road.

The sealed road changes to gravel after passing Lake Ohau Lodge. Drive carefully and watch out for stock grazing beside the road. As a courtesy, drive slowly past Lake Ohau Station buildings to reduce dust.

Park your car at the Ram Hill carpark at the road end, or if you have a 4WD vehicle carry on to Monument Hut.

Know before you go

Be avalanche alert

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.

Dog access

There is an ongoing trapping and poison operation for possums in this area. Monitor your dog and use a muzzle to avoid any potential scavenging of possum carcasses.

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.