The Nobbies Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track climbs steadily to the Pomahaka Conservation Area boundary and give access to Gem Lake. Enjoy views of block fault mountain ranges, scenic river corridors and parkland rural landscapes.

This DOC directory entry covers The Nobbies Track in Otago, within Pomahaka 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: 5 km return via same track
• Walking time: 2-3 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.

• Pomahaka River bridge closed to vehicles; First published on 24 July 2024. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

No access through the farm over the lambing/calving period from 20 October to 20 November each year.

Dog access

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

Description

Walking, mountain bike and horse access is available from the Cattle Yards carpark, follow the marked farm track steadily up the hill for approximately 2.5 km to the Pomahaka Conservation Area boundary.

From the conservation area boundary there is a good internal network of unmarked farm tracks providing access onto the Whitecoomb Range, The Nobbies, and Island Creek parts of the conservation area. Visitors may roam at will but require good route-finding and backcountry skills - respect this alpine environment by avoiding fragile areas.

Mountain biking

Several options exist for mountain biking in this area, expect climbs and descents over changeable terrain. Ensure you have a map and a good sense of direction. To reduce the impact on the natural environment it is recommended that mountain bikers stick to the formed farm tracks – though these are limited, there is good access via these to Gem Lake.

Getting there

The Pomahaka Conservation area lies on the eastern side of the Umbrella range between Roxburgh and Ettrick, SH8; off Aitcheson Runs Road in the Upper Catchment of the Pomahaka River, 32 km from Ettrick (42 km from central Roxburgh).

There are various entry points on the gravel road from SH8 to the Pomahaka Conservation Area.

From Ettrick the most direct is following Moa Flat road (opposite Turners and Growers warehouses) right onto MacKay Road and finally right onto Aitchenson Runs Road.

The Pomahaka bridge marks the start of the 4.7km 4WD road access to the carpark at the Cattle Yards. The road from the bridge to the carpark with road slumps and two fords is more suited for 4WD vehicles. This road passes through a working farm. When using the access road be mindful of farming operations, including the landowners request to avoid using the road over the lambing/calving period from 20 October to 20 November annually.

Know before you go

Dogs are permitted in the main conservation area but need permission from Gem Lake Station. Contact the station to enter via the easement track. Dogs must be dosed against sheep measles and a certificate must be supplied.

How to obtain a sheep measles certificate.

This public access track crosses through a working high-country station. Respect the landowner’s livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation lands.

• Leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.

The Nobbies Track gets rutted and slippery in wet conditions and is not suitable for vehicles.

In this area summers tend to be mild and winters are cold with frequent frosts. Moderate rainfall throughout the year is mostly from the southwest and fog is common at any time of year. In summer carry plenty of water.

The higher country is subject to snow during the winter months and some sections may be prone to avalanche danger.

Rivers in this region can rise rapidly, if crossing be prepared to wait if necessary.

Fires are not permitted.

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.