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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: -44.29119, 169.90362. 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
- 8 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hrs one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Ruataniwha Conservation Park
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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 runs along the Lake Ōhau shoreline at its moraine end, with great views of Ben Ohau Peak and Lake Ōhau. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Ōhau Track 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: 8 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hrs one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This is a magnificent walk around the shores of Lake Ōhau with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This track is part of Te Araroa. Start at either Glen Lyon Road or Lake Ohau Road. You will require transport at the other end if you decide to walk one way.
The hut you pass beside the track is privately owned.
Mountain biking
This track is a fabulous ride for any age rider. It is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
To reach the start of Lake Ōhau Track, turn off SH 8 onto Lake Ōhau Road, 13 km from Twizel.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14, BZ15
Fire damage
These tracks are open but were affected by the Lake Ōhau fire in October 2020. The landscape is still recovering from the severe fire damage.
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.
