Obelisk Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This loop starts from the highest point on the range at Kopuwai. On a good day, you can see as far out as Rakiura/Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Mt Aspiring/Tititea.

This DOC directory entry covers Obelisk Loop Track in Otago, within Kopuwai 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: 10 km loop
• Walking time: 3 hr 30 min loop
• 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.

Seasonal restrictions

In winter this area is blanketed in snow, extremely cold, and exposed.

Dog access

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

Description

Obelisk Loop Track starts and ends at Kopuwai/Obelisk, the culturally significant rock tor at the highest point on the range – 1682 m high. You can walk this track as a loop or use it to get to other tracks in the area.

The track offers great views and provides access to both:

• Omeo Gully Track, and

• Prospect Hill Track.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Rakiura/Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Mt Aspiring/Tititea.

The high altitude landscape is dominated by open rocky herb fields that have interesting alpine plants. You'll also get to walk through wetlands.

Mountain biking

There are some steep pinches and rough sections.

Getting there

Starting from Alexandra:

• Travel south along SH8 for 14 km to Fruitlands.

• Turn right onto Symes Road – this is a 4WD gravel road

• After 12 km you'll reach the top of the Old Man Range.

• At the top turn right and travel for a further 2 km to the Kopuwai Historic Reserve. The Obelisk Loop Track starts and finishes at this reserve.

To access the start of this track 4WD vehicles should travel in pairs with recovery gear.

Do not park near the transmitter building as radio waves can affect vehicle electronics.

Winter access – roads impassable

Road access to Kopuwai Conservation Area is on dry-weather, largely un-maintained legal roads. In winter the roads become impassable because of snow and ground conditions.

This area is subject to weather extremes at any time of year and roads can become very wet and swampy. Check the weather forecast or contact Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.

Know before you go

This track sits on an exposed range above 1000 m.

Weather and fog: Temperatures at this altitude can change suddenly even in mid-summer. Take warm and windproof clothing. Fog can roll in quickly – take a map and GPS to help with navigation during the fog.

Avalanches: Be avalanche aware as this area has ‘simple’ avalanche terrain.

Nature and conservation

Look out for black back gulls and oyster catchers around the rock tors.

In spring and summer you’ll find lots of grasshoppers.

History and culture

The distinctive rock tor in the heart of the Kopuwai Historic Reserve is the area's highest point at 1682 m high.

More about the legend of Kopuwai and history of the area.

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.