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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: -44.62921, 169.99818. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Oteake Conservation Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
This easement leads to Manuherkia hunting area and Otamatapaio Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Otamatapaio River easement in Otago, within Oteake Conservation Park. 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: 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.
- Possum control work in Oteake Conservation Park; First published on 6 June 2025. Last reviewed on 29 June 2026.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The walking easement begins at the Otamatapaio gorge and follows the river and crosses it a few times. The track takes you past an old stone hut on station land on the way.
Getting there
To access the Oteake Conservation area, turn off SH 83 on to Backyards road for 2 km to Otamatapaio River CA. There is 4wd access from here for 4 km to the gorge. From a second vehicle park here a marked public walking easement takes you to Otamatapaio Hut.
Know before you go
Avalanches
Oteake Conservation Park has avalanche terrain.
Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago
River crossings
Be aware of recent weather conditions in the catchment headwaters.
Fire
Fire restrictions apply to all conservation land. Check with the local information centres or DOC offices for the current fire status.
Communications
Mobile coverage is not reliable in the park. Satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons increase personal safety.
Topographical maps are essential for all backcountry trips.
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
