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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: -44.76333, 168.29715. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 5-7 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Glenorchy area
- 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
This route is for experienced trampers. It is irregularly marked, steep and in parts obscure and washed out.
This DOC directory entry covers Scott Creek Track in Otago, within Glenorchy 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: 5-7 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
Follow this irregularly marked track through beech forest up to a basin. In some places, you must follow the creek bed.
The track finishes just above 1000 metres in altitude before getting to Scott Basin.
Getting there
The track is signposted near the Scott Creek bridge north of Glenorchy, along the Routeburn Road.
Know before you go
Warning: This track is irregularly marked, steep and in parts obscure and washed out. It requires river crossings, which can be dangerous during high rainfall. You can be bluffed out at the saddle in poor visibility.
Not recommended for children, route finding skills essential.
Please note that Scott Creek hut has been removed.
Kārearea swooping
A Kārearea/NZ falcon is reported to be swooping people walking this track.
Kārearea/NZ falcon defend their nests actively and may dive bomb people up to 400 m from their nest. We recommend that you keep away from nests or any areas where the birds are acting defensively.
Don’t try to strike a Kārearea/NZ falcon. You could injure it and place the Kārearea/NZ falcon chicks in danger.
Read more about the Kārearea/NZ falcon.
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.
