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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: -44.72624, 169.63108. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1.5 - 7 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Lindis Valley area
- Seasonal restrictions
- McPhies Ridge Track: Pleasant Valley car park and the public access tracks that extend from it are closed for lambing from 10 October to 5 December.
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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 range of tracks for walkers and mountain bikers alike, in an attractive, upland valley. Easily accessed off SH8 between Tarras and Omarama.
This DOC directory entry covers Lindis Valley tracks in Otago, within Lindis Valley 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1.5 - 7 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.
Seasonal restrictions
McPhies Ridge Track: Pleasant Valley car park and the public access tracks that extend from it are closed for lambing from 10 October to 5 December.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Chain Hills and Coal Creek Conservation Area
Turnoff SH8 onto Goodger Road drive along the unsealed road to the Tim Burn car park. Goodger Road has been badly storm damaged and a 4WD is required. It is recommended that walkers and bikers park at Tim Burn car park and start their walk/ride from there.
There is no access to Pleasant Valley car park.
There is a panel with a map of the area and its tracks. The small Coal Creek Conservation Area protects a native fishery.
Shirlmar Track
Time: 2-2.5 hr one wayDistance: 9 km
From Pleasant Valley, this track heads up the right branch of the Tim Burn to the northern end of the Chain Hills, 1,000 m above sea level, before dropping down into Dunstan Creek.
Long Acre Track
Time: 1.5-2 hr one wayDistance: 7 km
“This track branches off McPhies Ridge Track to head up the Chain Hills before dropping down the other side into Dunstan Creek.
Chain Hills Track
Time: 1-1.5 hr one wayDistance: 5 km
From its junction with Shirlmar Track, this track undulates south along the tops of the Chain Hills to connect with the Long Acre Track. The Chain Hills Track continues to Dunstan Pass, giving access to the Lauder Conservation Area.
McPhies Ridge Track
Time: 6-7.5 hrDistance: 25 km
This public easement through private farmland is a route that goes up and along McPhies Ridge. It links Cluden Creek Road to Goodger Road, providing good views of the Chain Hills.
Nine Mile Historic Reserve
The reserve is 6 km down Old Faithful Road and can be reached by vehicle, on foot or by mountain bike. The main focus here is the old stone Lindis Hotel. The nearby Lindis River was the site of Otago's first gold discovery.
Camping is available in the reserve behind the hotel.
Getting there
The Lindis Valley is a 45 minute drive from Wanaka on SH8, between Tarras and Omarama.
The Tim Burn car park is located at the end of Goodger Road. Goodger Road has been badly storm damaged and is only accessible by 4WD. It is recommended that walkers and bikers park at Tim Burn car park and start their walk/ride from there.
There is no access to the Pleasant Valley car park.
The McPhies Ridge Track can also be accessed from Cluden Creek Road – cross the small bridge over the Lindis River to park at the trailhead.
Know before you go
Neither hunting nor dogs are permitted on these tracks and reserves.
Fires are not permitted in the historic reserve and campers are asked to take their rubbish with them.
The only public toilet in the area is at the Nine Mile Historic Reserve.
Access tracks cross private property. Respect livestock and property, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
Avalanche risk
This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.
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.
