Pomahaka River Reserve Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Three small sections of River Reserve with fingers of continuous beech remnants are a striking contrast of dark green against the light green pasture and yellow tussock of the main conservation area.

This DOC directory entry covers Pomahaka River Reserve Route in Otago, within Pomahaka 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: 12 km return return via same track
• Walking time: 3 hr return
• DOC grade: Expert

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

Avoid using the access road over the lambing/calving period from 20 October to 20 November each year.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

An unmarked route allowing foot access from Cattle Yard carpark drops down a steep bank to the Pomahaka River Reserve. Travel upstream along the true right of the river to reach the first of three small sections of conservation area.

It is possible to extend the journey by parking at the Pomahaka Bridge from where you can walk, mountain bike or ride a horse along the farm access to the Cattle Yard carpark. This adds an extra 10 km (2-3 hours walking time) to a return trip.

Getting there

The Pomahaka Conservation area lies on the eastern side of the Umbrella range between Roxburgh and Ettrick, SH8; off Aitcheson Runs Road in the Upper Catchment of the Pomahaka River, 32 km from Ettrick (42 km from central Roxburgh).

There are various entry points on gravel road from SH8 to the Pomahaka Conservation Area.

From Ettrick the most direct is following Moa Flat road (opposite Turners and Growers warehouses) right onto MacKay Road and finally right onto Aitchenson Runs Road.

The Pomahaka bridge marks the start of the 4.7 km 4WD road access to the carpark at the Cattle Yards. The road from the bridge to the carpark with road slumps and two fords is more suited for 4WD vehicles. This road passes through a working farm. When using the access road be mindful of farming operations, including the landowners request to avoid using the road over the lambing/calving period from 20 October to 20 November annually.

Know before you go

This public access track crosses through a working high-country station. Respect the landowner’s livestock and property; stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation lands, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.

The Nobbies Track gets rutted and slippery in wet conditions and is not suitable for vehicles.

In this area summers tend to be mild and winters are cold with frequent frosts. Moderate rainfall throughout the year is mostly from the southwest and fog is common at any time of year. In summer carry plenty of water.

The higher country is subject to snow during the winter months and some sections may be prone to avalanche danger.

Rivers in this region can rise rapidly, if crossing be prepared to wait if necessary.

Fires are not permitted.

There are no huts in the conservation area, camping is permitted. Responsible camping rules apply – carry in, carry out, leave no trace. Camping is permitted on conservation land only.

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.