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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: -44.54644, 170.05127. 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
- 5.5 km one way one way
- Walking time
- 1hr 30 min – 2 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore area
- 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
Follow an old farm track to the reserve which contains remnant native shrubs.
This DOC directory entry covers Otamatakou Track in Canterbury, within Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore 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: 5.5 km one way one way
- Walking time: 1hr 30 min – 2 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This walk follows Glen Creek. Follow an old farm track to the reserve which contains remnant native shrubs. These include Hebe cupressoides, matagouri, mountain wineberry, Coprosma propinqua, Corokia cotoneaster and Olearia virgata. There is no formed track within the reserve itself.
Mountain biking
It is possible to ride the public access easement through private farmland to the Otamatakou Scenic Reserve.
Getting there
Travel along SH83 to Lake Benmore, between Otematata and Omarama.
Know before you go
Maps: Otamatakou Scenic Reserve - NZTopo50 CA15 Omarama
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.
