Nevis Valley tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Access the Remarkables Conservation Area on these tracks.

This DOC directory entry covers Nevis Valley tracks in Otago, within Remarkables 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: Various times over 4 hr return
• 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.

• Nevis to Gibbston 4WD Road washout; First published on 29 February 2024. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

Dark Elliots Track, Ryders Track and Scotchmans Creek Track are closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing. Nevis Road from Comissioners Creek to the Southland district boundary is closed to motor vehicles annually from the first Monday in June to 30 September.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Nevis-Gibbston Track

Time: 2 hr one wayDistance: 8 kmOther activities: Four wheel driving, Mountain biking, Horse ridingDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary.

Beginning from Nevis Crossing on Nevis Road, the track gradually winds its way up rutted sections of farm road until the 993 m Doolans Saddle. From there it descends to its end point at a boundary gate.

Four wheel driving

Doolans Saddle is the furthest drivable point from the Nevis Road (8.5 km). It's rutted in sections and for dry weather only. A narrow section with a steep drop off prior to Doolans Saddle is not for novices or the faint hearted.

River Face Track

Time: 2–2 hr 30 min one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 9 kmOther activities: Mountain biking Dog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary.

Branching off the Nevis-Gibbston Track, the River Face Track descends down a moderately steep farm road to the Nevis River. It provides fishing access to the Nevis catchment.

Dark Elliots Track

Time: 2–3 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 7 kmOther activities: Mountain bikingDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary. Seasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.

Follow the Nevis Gibbston Track for 2 km (30–45 minutes) until the track sign on the left. For 5 km the track continues climbing a farm road to the conservation area boundary.

Sunny Elliots Track

Time: 3–4 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 12 kmOther activities: Mountain biking, Horse ridingDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary.

Follow the Nevis Gibbston Track for 8 km (2–2 hours 30 minutes) to a sign that marks the start of the track, 500 m from Doolans Saddle. It's a steady climb to the conservation area boundary.

Ryders Track

Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr one wayDistance: 4.5 kmDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary. Seasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.

From the sign on Nevis Road, the track follows a farm road, climbing steadily to the conservation area boundary.

Scotchmans Creek Track

Time: 1 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 3.5 kmDog access: No dogsSeasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.Follow the Ryders Track for 2.5 km until the signed start of the Scotchmans Creek Track. This track climbs up onto a small knoll, which is a small independent section of the Remarkables Conservation Area.

Mountain biking

Nevis-Gibbston, River Face, Dark Elliots and Sunny Elliots Tracks can all be mountain biked.

Getting there

Nevis Road can be accessed from Cromwell (northern end) and Garston (southern end):

• From Cromwell: Turn off SH 88 onto Barry Avenue, which becomes Bannockburn Road. Nevis Road starts where the seal ends at the end of Bannockburn Road. Nevis Crossing is 12 km from Cromwell.

• From Garston: 1.5 km north of Garston, turn off SH 6 onto Nevis Road.

Know before you go

• Very hot and dry conditions are common in summer – adequate drinking water and sun protection are essential.

• No fires.

Avalanche risk

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.

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.

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.