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Key facts
- Distance
- 8.8 km one way
- Walking time
- Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Catlins coastal area
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
Thisbe Valley Track leads through Catlins Conservation Park to McLennan Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Thisbe Valley Track in Otago, within Catlins coastal 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: 8.8 km one way
- Walking time: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- 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.
Description
You need to cross private land to get to Thisbe Valley Track and McLennan Hut. You can only do this with permission from the landowner. Contact: Josh Carins +64 27 534 3866
The track begins off Cairn Road. Note: there is no DOC signage for the track entrance. Follow a 4WD track across private farmland then the track begins at the Catlins Conservation Park boundary. There are toilets and bivvies here.
The track follows Thisbe Stream up the valley, all the way to its headwaters. The track passes near Calliope Saddle, before dropping down to Maclennan River near its confluence with Kaka Stream.
The track crosses Maclennan River. This is a significant river crossing and there is no bridge. Carry a tent or an emergency shelter, in case the river is up and it is not possible to cross.
After crossing the river, follow the track upstream for a short distance and you will reach McLennan Hut. Above the hut, the track continues up the river for roughly another 1-2km.
Getting there
The track entrance is at the Catlins Conservation Park boundary. To access this, you need to cross private farmland from Cairn Road.
Contact the landowner to arrange permission Josh Carins +64 27 534 3866.
Know before you go
This track includes unbridged river crossings
There are many unbridged stream crossings on the track, and one significant river crossing at Maclennan River. The river crossing will be difficult and dangerous when the river is high or flooding.
Do not cross if the river 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.
Carry a tent or emergency shelter, in case the river is too high to cross, and spare food.
How to cross rivers safely
Follow orange markers to stay on the correct track
Follow the orange triangle markers to stay on Thisbe Valley Track. Catlins Conservation Park is an important biodiversity area and there are lots of small tracks/trapping routes branching off which are not on the map. These are marked with other colours and styles of track marking.
Check the forecast and pack well
Check the forecast on the MetService Clutha Regional forecast.
Always bring warm and waterproof clothing. This is a remote area, so we recommend carrying a distress beacon. Explore our Overnight and multi-day tramp gear list page.
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.
