Pt 1,444 Trig: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A day walk from Queensberry with spectacular views of the Upper Clutha basin.

This DOC directory entry covers Pt 1,444 Trig in Otago, within Pisa 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: 15 km return via same track
• Walking time: 5-6 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.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Start at Queensberry car park and climb the Pisa Range Ridge Track. This is a steady climb through farmland, up past the Alfern Conservation Area and its small remnant grove of kānuka and Hall’s tōtara.

Climb over the stile into the Pisa Conservation Area and follow the farm track towards the trig at 1,444 m altitude.

Take in the panoramic view over the Upper Clutha basin from Lake Hāwea to the southern end of Grandview Ridge.

Return the same way.

Getting there

Drive 20 km south of Wānaka along SH6. Turn right into Pukekowhai Drive and drive up to the T junction at the top. Turn left into Wailana Heights Drive until you reach Queensberry car park on your right.

Know before you go

Weather

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Carrying an adequate supply of both drinking water and sun protection is essential.

In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions.

Adverse weather: The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present.

Check the Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website.

Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November.

View avalanche information.

Firearms

Firearms are not permitted on easements through private property including transportation in vehicles. Entry with a firearm is only allowed via Rock Peak Track.

Dog access

Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but entry and exit is restricted to the Rock Peak Track. All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog including transporting them in vehicles.

Private property

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 camping until the conservation area boundary.

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.