By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -44.42823, 169.25907. 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
- 8 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1-2 hr to the bushline, 5 hr return to Sawyer Burn Hut
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Hāwea Conservation Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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 Sawyer Burn Track climbs through the forest to the bushline and has superb views of Lake Hāwea and the surrounding mountains.
This DOC directory entry covers Sawyer Burn Track in Otago, within Hāwea Conservation Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 8 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1-2 hr to the bushline, 5 hr return to Sawyer Burn Hut
- 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
Providing superb views of Lake Hāwea and the surrounding mountains, the Sawyer Burn Track veers off the Kidds Bush Nature Walk and initially zigzags up through forest to the bushline before sidling (mostly at the same level) across to the Sawyer Burn Hut.
The basic hut belonging to Hunter Valley Station is tucked into bush on the side of the hill. It remains shaded throughout the day.
Getting there
Sawyer Burn Track starts from the Kidds Bush Recreation Reserve campsite, 6 km along Meads Road – turn off SH6 at The Neck.
Know before you go
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.
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.
