Melina Ridge Track : Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This is a classic mountain bike ride located in lower Ahuriri valley.

This DOC directory entry covers **Melina Ridge Track ** in Canterbury, within Lindis Conservation 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: 35 km one way
• Walking time: 8 - 10 hr
• 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

The track is popular with mountain bikers given the distance involved and the fact there are no huts along the route. It's also good for long distance runners. Trampers could do the track but would require a pick up at the exit point along SH8 south of Lindis Pass.

From the Avon Burn valley it is a climb to the highest point of the track on Mt Melina (1,500 m) and then a steady descent on the other side to Smiths Creek.

Mt Prospect Track (side trip)

Track category: Tramping trackDistance: 9 km one way

Mountain biking: Grade 4

This track branches off the Melina Ridge Track and climbs to the top of Mt Prospect (1,770 m above sea level) before descending into the Timaru River valley. Bikers must return the same way. Trampers can carry on along the Breast Hill Track.

Mountain biking

It is generally better to start this mountain bike track from the Avon Burn car park along Birchwood Road and exit on SH8 south of Lindis Pass. This provides an easier gradient for cycling up Mt Melina and then a steep zig zag descent into Lindis River valley.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Getting there

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. It is 11 km down Birchwood Road to the start of the track at Avon Burn carpark.

Know before you go

Map: NZTopo50 CA14 Lindis Pass

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.

There may be avalanche danger

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

• Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.

• Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

• Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.

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.