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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: -44.36387, 169.79409. 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
- 1.5 km | 5.5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 30 min | 2 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- Location
- Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex
- 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
Tucked away under the Ohau Range lies this short track through mountain beech forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Quailburn Track in Canterbury, within Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.5 km | 5.5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 30 min | 2 hr one way
- DOC grade: Advanced; 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.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Quailburn Track to bushline
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 30 minDistance: 1.5 km
Quailburn Track starts uphill from the historic area, which has a sheep dip and hut ruins dating from 1866. The track winds its way uphill through mountain beech forest with several crossings of the Quailburn Stream. It provides a viewpoint above the bushline.
Quailburn bushline to East Ahuriri Hut (derelict)
Track category: RouteTime: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 4 km
From the bushline, carry on uphill along a rougher track to Quailburn saddle. Sidle around on the Ohau Range towards Ahuriri River East Branch and you will spot East Ahuriri Hut on the true left bank. This old mustering hut is a remnant from Quailburn Station and may offer very basic shelter if required. It has a non-flush toilet.
Getting there
Turn off SH8 onto Quailburn Road, 6 km north of Omarama. It is a further 19 km on this road to Quailburn historic site. The road turns into a gravel surface just past the turn-off to Clay Cliffs, which is suitable for cars. Be aware of cyclists as the road is part of Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mount Barth
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.
