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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: -44.51177, 168.68589. 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
- 4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Matukituki Valley area / Mount Aspiring National Park
- Seasonal restrictions
- The route is closed for lambing from 17 October to 7 November inclusive.
- 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 Shotover Saddle Route offers magnificent views of the West Matukituki and Rob Roy valleys.
This DOC directory entry covers Shotover Saddle Route in Otago, within Matukituki Valley area / Mount Aspiring National 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: 4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 6 hr
- DOC grade: 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.
Seasonal restrictions
The route is closed for lambing from 17 October to 7 November inclusive.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The start of this marked but largely unformed route is 5 km from the Raspberry Creek car park, just before the Brides Veil waterfall. A sign indicates the start of the route.
The route climbs steeply up towards Shotover Saddle. It begins with pasture land and patches of bracken before reaching higher tussock slopes.
The marked route ends just below the saddle itself, on a shelf with a large tarn. From the shelf, there are views across the West Matukituki valley to Rob Roy Peak.
Beyond the end of the route, off-track tramping experience and navigational skills are required.
Permission is required from Branches Station for those who plan to exit the route via the Shotover River.
Getting there
Road conditions
Check the Department of Conservation – Wānaka & Queenstown Facebook page for the latest road conditions.
Know before you go
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.
Exit via Shotover River
To exit the route via the Shotover River, you need permission from Branches Station.
To request permission, phone Branches Station before you go on +64 3 441 8421.
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.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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.
