Rock Peak Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Get great views from this track at the southern end of the Pisa range.

This DOC directory entry covers Rock Peak Track 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min 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 allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track at the southern end of the Pisa Range gives quick access to great views. Follow an old 4WD track as it zigzags up from the car park to the transmitter station at Rock Peak.

For the adventurous and well-equipped, the track continues to Tuohy’s Saddle.

Getting there

Access to Rock Peak is from the top of the Crown Saddle, SH89.

Know before you go

• 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.

• Firearms are not permitted on easements through private property including transportation in vehicles. Entry with a firearm is permitted via the Crown Saddle Car Park.

Dog accessDogs are allowed in the conservation area but entry/exit is restricted to the Crown Saddle Carpark access. All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog including transporting them in vehicles.

Bad 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 Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.

Avalanche risk

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.

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.

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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.