Lake Hāwea Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This provides access to one of the Hāwea Conservation Park's most beautiful areas, the Hunter Valley.

This DOC directory entry covers Lake Hāwea Track in Otago, within Hāwea 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: 20 km one way
• Walking time: 10 - 12 hr one way
• 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

This undulating track leads from the Turihuka Conservation Area and provides excellent lake and mountain views. It fords the Dingle Burn and goes on to the Hunter River/Lake Hāwea confluence.

Along the river flats the track weaves in and out of pockets of kānuka and silver/tahina and mountain/tamauka beech forest.

The Hunter Valley's open grasslands and braided river system lie beneath the McKerrow, Young and Huxley Ranges.

After entering the Hunter Valley follow the extensive valley flats to gain access to gain access to the head of the valley.

It is spectacular ride along Lake Hāwea toward the head of the lake. A variety of terrain raises this track category to Advanced.

Getting there

From Hāwea Township, follow the unsealed Dingleburn Station Road to the public carpark. No vehicle access permitted beyond this point.

From the carpark, walk or cycle the Dingle Burn Peninsula Track to the Turihuka Conservation Area. The Lake Hāwea Track starts on the other side of the Dingle Burn.

The Long Flat Creek swing bridge in the Hunter Valley has been permanently removed.

Know before you go

Bad weather

The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.

Avalanche risk

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

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

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.

Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land

• Leave gates as you find them

• Use stiles where provided

• Keep your distance from livestock.

Dogs

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

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.