Prospect Hill Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

From this track on a clear day you can see the Manuherikia basin, the Old Woman, Dunstan and Raggedy ranges.

This DOC directory entry covers Prospect Hill Track 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: 20 km return via same track
• Walking time: 6–8 hr 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.

Seasonal restrictions

This track is closed for lambing from 15 October to 15 November.In winter this area is blanketed in snow, extremely cold, and exposed.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Prospect Hill Track travels through unique landscape, from the foot of the mighty Old Man Range to the top. This 1000 m climb starts through farmland and becomes alpine herb fields as you reach the conservation area. There are fantastic views of Alexandra and the Obelisk while climbing up. The Obelisk is a large rock tor known as Kopuwai, that is the highest point on the Old Man Range.

The end of this track links up to the Obelisk Loop Track. Using the Obelisk Loop Track you can walk down via Omeo Gully Track or continue onto other tracks on the top of the Kopuwai Conservation Area.

This track intersects with The Sisters Track. A stream running through the intersection is a welcome stop on a hot day. A private hut belonging to Earncleugh Station is also near the stream.

In winter, this track provides people with winter alpine skills access to The Sisters Track for back country skiing.

This track is an easement through private land.

Mountain biking

The Prospect Hill Track is a more gradual climb than the Omeo Gully Track and fit riders will be able to bike most of it.

Getting there

• From Clyde cross the river and travel south along Earnscleugh Road for 7 km

• Turn right onto Blackman Road continue for for 2.5 km

• Turn onto Fraser Dam Road

• Follow this unsealed gravel road for 4.5 km to a sign indicating the beginning of the track.

Know before you go

This track reaches an altitude above 1000 m.

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.

Hunting is not allowed on this track as it is on private land.

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.