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Key facts
- Distance
- 1.7 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Arthur's Pass National Park
- 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 a deep alpine valley under the northern flank of Mount Rolleston/Kaimatau to the Otira River footbridge.
This DOC directory entry covers Otira Valley Track in Canterbury, within Arthur's Pass National 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: 1.7 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr one way
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This relatively easy graded track follows a deep alpine valley under the northern flank of Mount Rolleston/ Kaimatau. It climbs over an old glacial moraine, then follows the contour through subalpine scrub and tussock to the Otira River footbridge.
On a good day, this is a great opportunity to view the summer alpine flowers.
Warning: The track finishes at the footbridge. Travel past this point requires map reading and route-finding skills, and is for experienced alpine trampers and mountaineers only. There is challenging avalanche terrain on this track as far as the footbridge, then complex avalanche terrain beyond it. Talk to the local Visitor Centre about the latest conditions and the avalanche danger.
Getting there
The track starts from a very small carpark beside SH73, about 1 km towards the West Coast from the Arthur’s Pass summit (7 km from Arthur’s Pass township).
Know before you go
Avalanche danger May to November. From May to November dangerous avalanches cross the Otira Valley Track. Check with the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre for the latest conditions before using this track during these months.
Be safe and be aware – this is mountain country.
Take warm clothing, a raincoat, sunhat, sunscreen, something to eat and drink and strong footwear (boots are recommended).
Check the weather forecast before you go. Be aware that mountain weather can change quickly.
Walking on tracks and routes above the bush-line (the upper edge of the forest) is recommended only in good weather conditions. The route to the footbridge is marked and you need good visibility to find your way. Above the bush-line you are exposed to the severity of the mountain weather.
When snow covers the ground, routes will be less obvious and there may also be a danger of avalanches. Snow climbing equipment is recommended.
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.
