Mount Ida Water Race Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track follows a water race which is still in use. It has great views of the St Bathans basin and Falls Dam valley. The track is overgrown with sections of long grass and washouts.

This DOC directory entry covers Mount Ida Water Race Track in Otago, within Oteake 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: 18 km one way
• Walking time: 4-5 hr
• 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.

• Possum control work in Oteake Conservation Park; First published on 6 June 2025. Last reviewed on 29 June 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

Oteake is subject to flooding, snowfall and weather extremes. In winter this area is blanketed with snow, extremely cold and exposed.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

From the end of Shepherds Hut Creek Track, the track leads along the foot of the Hawkdun Range. It ends at Pierces Gorge. From here, follow a 4WD track for 1km/15 mins to end at Home Hills Runs Road.

The intersecting 4WD tracks provide an opportunity for shorter loops.

There are unbridged streams on the track. Assess these carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.

Getting there

The track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks, off Home Hills Runs Road:

• Shepherds Hut Creek Track

• Hut Creek

• Pierces Gorge.

Know before you go

Pack the right gear

Take clothing for all weather including warm, waterproof clothing and sun protection.

DOC packing lists

Be careful of rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river 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.

Be aware of weather conditions in the catchment headwaters. Check fords before entry.

How to cross rivers safely

No fires

Fires are not allowed anywhere in Oteake Conservation Park.

Check the weather forecast

NIWA Weather: Ida Railway Hut

Shared use tracks

Many of the tracks in Oteake Conservation Park are shared use. You may encounter walkers, mountain bikers and people riding horses. Take care and respect other track users.

There may be avalanche danger

Avalanches most frequently occur from May to November in Oteake Conservation Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period if there is still snow coverage.

You should always follow the three components of avalanche safety:

• Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.

• Check the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory information for the area you’re going in to.

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

The following page has ATES information for Oteake Conservation Park.

Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory is provided by the Mountain Safety Council.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory

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.