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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: -43.84046, 170.16185. 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
- 2 or 3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Lake Pukaki 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
Tasman River is a large braided river which flows into Lake Pukaki. There are walking and cycling tracks in the area.
This DOC directory entry covers **Tasman River tracks ** in Canterbury, within Lake Pukaki 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: 2 or 3 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
Tasman River Track
Track category: Tramping TrackTime: 3 hrDistance: 10 km
This track starts at Jollie River car park and finishes at Tasman Point near Chop Creek. Large glacial erratics (boulders) and rocky bluffs provide interest. On a fine day you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana.
Horse riding
The track is suitable for horse riding although it's a lengthy drive along Hayman Road to tow a horse float to the start.
Mountain biking
Track category: Grade 2, EasyTime: 2 hrDistance: 10 km
The track is popular with cyclists as it's part of Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Jollie Hut
Track category: Tramping TrackTime: 2 hrDistance: 3 km
There is a pull-over area on Braemar Mount Cook Station Road to start this track. The track is initially a public access easement through private farm land.
The area is popular with hunters looking for tahr, red deer or chamois further up the valley.
Getting there
Drive down Hayman Road which turns into Braemar Mount Cook Station Road. Drive carefully as the road is gravel and stock may be grazing on road verges.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BY15 Birch Hill, BY16 Mount Stevenson
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.
