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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.27443, 169.25762. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 19 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Kopuwai Conservation Area
- Seasonal restrictions
- In winter this area is blanketed in snow, extremely cold, and exposed.This track is closed for lambing between 15 October and 15 November.
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Omeo Gully Track goes through one of Otago’s highest, most isolated gold fields. View distinctive gold workings on high sluice faces, deeply riveted tail races, tall stacked tailings and the remains of dwellings.
This DOC directory entry covers Omeo Gully 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: 19 km return via same track
- Walking time: 6 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.
Seasonal restrictions
In winter this area is blanketed in snow, extremely cold, and exposed.This track is closed for lambing between 15 October and 15 November.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Omeo Gully Track is a steep track which initially goes through farmland and opens up into tussock lands, crossing small wetlands and as you get higher viewing the amazing rock tors.
The track starts off at 200 m and finishes at a height of 1377 m at the junction with the Obelisk Loop Track.
The walk initially goes through farmland and opens up into tussock lands, crossing small wetlands. As you get higher provides views of the amazing rock tors. Once you reach the conservation area boundary you will see the remains of a derelict historic hut.
Getting there
From Clyde cross the river and travel south along Earnscleugh Road for 7 km
Turn right onto Blackman Road for 2.5 km then onto Fraser Dam Road
Follow this unsealed gravel road for 1 km before turning left onto Omeo Gully Road
Travel for 200 m to the Omeo Gully Road carpark where this track starts.
Know before you go
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.
Camping on the access easement or in the car park is not allowed. Firearms cannot be carried on the Omeo Gully track.
Leave what you find
Remember that all rocks, historic artefacts, native plants and animals are protected on public land. Tread carefully and take only photographs.
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.
