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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.22289, 170.13556. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 6 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Twizel area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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
The Pukaki Flats walk goes over an open block of hard tussock grasslands just north of Twizel. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Pukaki Flats walk in Canterbury, within Twizel 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: 6 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
The Pukaki flats walk is very flat over an open block of hard tussock grasslands. An old farm track follows a fence line and leads northeast to Pukaki River. The track forms part of Te Araroa from Twizel to Tekapo.
The views from here looking to Ben Ohau Range and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana are stunning on a fine day.
Mountain biking
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through here and provides a good riding surface.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Horse riding
Pukaki Flats Conservation Area is suitable for horse riding.
Getting there
Can be started from Pukaki High Dam or on SH8 going north out of Twizel.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo 50 BZ15 Twizel, BZ16 Dover Pass
Private property and permissions
This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.
Respect the landowner's livestock and property:
Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
Leave gates as you find them
Use stiles where provided
Keep your distance from livestock.
Dogs
You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.
Nature and conservation
Native plant species found here include mat daisies, native broom, blue tussock and native daphne.
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.
