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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: -44.27036, 169.80780. 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
- 16 km one way
- Walking time
- 5 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex
- 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
Traverse glacial terraces through Freehold Creek beech forest. Part of the Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) Cycle Trail, the high point on this track and offers fabulous views of Lake Ohau and the surrounding country.
This DOC directory entry covers Tarnbrae Track A2O in Canterbury, within Ahuriri Conservation Park / Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 16 km one way
- Walking time: 5 hr one way
- 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
The track passes through patches of remant beech forest and open tussock country with scattered native scrub, as well as the Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex.
It's worth the short detour to explore the Quailburn historic site near the finish in Quailburn Road.
Mountain biking
It's a gradual climb from Lake Ohau Road to the high point of the track at 900 m. From here it is a short descent to Quailburn Road and the Ohau Moraines Wetland Complex.
The track is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Getting there
Park at the car park area at the bottom of Ohau Snow Fields Road. You will need to arrange a pick-up at the other end on Quailburn Road.
Sawyers Creek access
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 45 minDistance: 2 km
This track provides a more direct route to Freehold Creek and Tarnbrae Track. It starts at Glen Mary Ski Club huts. It is also part of Te Araroa. Please park in the designated area near Lake Ohau Road, not by the huts. Toilets are here for public use.
Know before you go
Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information
Adverse weather: The weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for extremes of both heat and cold. Carry water, and wear a hat and warm, windproof clothing.
Amenities: There is a toilet at the Quailburn historic site
Fire damage
These tracks are open but were affected by the Lake Ōhau fire in October 2020. The landscape is still recovering from the severe fire damage.
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.
