Potters No. 2 Tramping Track, Huts to Grave: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This is a short tramping track through the protected historic site in the impressive landscape of the Campbell Creek catchment.

This DOC directory entry covers Potters No. 2 Tramping Track, Huts to Grave 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: 3 km return via same track
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min return
• 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

The Potters No. 2 Tramping Track takes you from the historical Potters huts to a grave site on a nearby hill. The area this track goes through includes several alluvial gold diggings worked in this area between 1860 and 1900’s.

A few historic huts remain, a grave site and alluvial gold workings can all be seen in this spectacular landscape.

Getting there

To get to this track you’ll need to go up a 4WD access road.

Starting from Alexandra:

• Head south along SH 8 from Alexandra, Otago.

• After around 26 km turn right onto Waikaia Bush 4WD Road – this is a rough metal road.

• Follow the road up to the top of the Old Man Range for 13 km.

• At the end of the Waikaia Bush 4WD Road turn right onto Potters No. 2 4WD access road.

• Follow this road for 3 km to the start of the Potters No.2 Tramping Track.

Winter access – roads impassable

Road access to Kopuwai Conservation Area is on dry-weather, largely un-maintained legal roads. In winter the roads become impassable because of snow and ground conditions.

This area is subject to weather extremes at any time of year and roads can become very wet and swampy. Check the weather forecast or contact Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.

Know before you go

This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land.

• Leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.

• Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times or go around if necessary.

• No hunting on this track.

Weather

The track is at 1200 m altitude.

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.

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.