Mt Miserable Conical Peak Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Route providing access to the spectacular tussock tops of Bell Saddle, Mt Miserable, and the Waianakarua Scenic Reserve.

This DOC directory entry covers Mt Miserable Conical Peak Route in Otago, within Moeraki 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: 7 hr 30
• DOC grade: Expert

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

Access may be closed during lambing.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Much of this route is either access-easement across private property, or along the boundary fence of the Waianakarua Scenic Reserve. No dogs or hunting are allowed on easements across private property.

The route can be walked in either direction – this description details starting at Waianakarua Scenic Reserve carpark.

From the carpark follow signs and markers heading west along the fenceline uphill onto Mt Miserable. It is approximately 2 hrs (4 km) to Bell Saddle. Just before Bell Saddle a short signposted side trip will take you via an easement to the high point of Mt Miserable.

The route then continues along the boundary of the scenic reserve for 2.5 km before the final 11 km of marked access-easement, mostly along farm tracks, to the Conical Peak carpark on SH85.

Getting there

Getting to Waianakarua Scenic Reserve carpark

Turn onto Mt Misery Road, 4 km south of Herbert on SH1. Continue along for 15 km, through Glencoe Run to the carpark. Glencoe Run is a working farm and this section of road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Follow orange markers.

Mt Miserable Conical Peak Route is signposted at the carpark.

Logging trucks and farm vehicles use this road frequently, keep to the left, drive with your headlights on and drive to the conditions.

Vehicle access may be reduced if track conditions are too wet.

Getting to Conical Peak carpark

Conical Peak carpark is located on the Northern side of SH 85, approximately 13 km north of Dunback.

There is a DOC sign marking the entrance to the access to Waianakarua Scenic Reserve.

Know before you go

Changeable weather

Be prepared for all conditions on your trip, including at least one wet day. Before your trip, check the latest weather and conditions so you know what to plan for.

NIWA Weather: Ōamaru

Tell someone your plans and carry a distress beacon

This is remote backcountry tramping. Be prepared and always carry a distress beacon.

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.