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Key facts
- Distance
- 30 km one way
- Walking time
- 13 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- Location
- Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ruataniwha Conservation Park
- 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
This unmarked route is for experienced trampers and travels through diverse country.
This DOC directory entry covers **Snowy Gorge Creek - Maitland Stream ** in Canterbury, within Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ruataniwha 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: 30 km one way
- Walking time: 13 hr
- 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
Trampers can follow Snowy Gorge Creek and descend into Maitland valley near Lake Ohau. Exiting out of the lower Maitland valley requires prior permission from the landholder Lake Ohau Station, phone: +64 3 438 9663
Birchwood Road to Snowy Gorge Hut
Track category: RouteTime: 5 hrDistance: 11 km
Cross Ahuriri River at a suitable crossing point within Ahuriri Conservation Park (not marked). Snowy Gorge Creek flows through an open tussock clad valley. Snowy Gorge Hut is not easily visible because it is hidden behind a moraine wall.
Snowy Gorge Hut to Maitland Hut
Track category: RouteTime: 4 hrDistance: 9 km
It is a steady climb to the pass between Snowy Gorge Creek and Maitland Stream at 1352 m. Scattered wetlands feature near the pass and then it is a straightforward descent into Maitland valley in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Watch out for aciphylla/spaniard plants along the way.
Maitland Hut to Lake Ohau
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 4 hrDistance: 10 km
The track travels through beech forest with several crossings of Maitland Stream. There is a steep climb at the end of the track before descending to Lake Ohau Road through private farmland. You will require prior permission from the landholder, Lake Ohau Station, to exit this way.
Horse riding
You will need to cross the Ahuriri River to access Snowy Gorge Creek.
Getting there
Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff has a signpost for Ahuriri Conservation Park.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mount Barth
Fallen trees; expect longer walking times
The beech forest section of this track has been severely damaged by wind and snow and is not well maintained. The track is difficult to follow at times, and requires extra time even for experienced trampers.
Check the flow of the Ahuriri River
Check the flow of the river if you intend to cross before you go: Ahuriri River flow. It is safe to cross when the flow is 18 cubic metres per second (cumecs) or less.
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
Dog access
There is an ongoing trapping and poison operation for possums in this area. Monitor your dog and use a muzzle to avoid any potential scavenging of possum carcasses.
If you are doing the through trip to Lake Ohau you will need permission from the landholder to take your dog through private farmland above Lake Ohau. Contact Tom Moore, Manager Lake Ohau Station, phone: +64 27 458 4025.
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.
