Tinwald Burn Ridge Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A steep 1,882 m hike from the valley floor to the Pisa Range Ridge.

This DOC directory entry covers Tinwald Burn Ridge Track in Otago, within Pisa Conservation 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: 20.36 km return via same track
• Walking time: 8 hr return
• DOC grade: Intermediate

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

This steep farm track winds its way up a spur above the Tinwald Burn. It gains 1,882 m of elevation over 10 km to reach the top of the Pisa Range.

From the top, you can connect with the Pisa Range Ridge Track to access Mt Pisa and other destinations in the Pisa Conservation Area.

Getting there

• From Wānaka, drive 40 km south on SH6.

• Turn right into Mount Pisa Road.

• Turn right following the sign for Mount Pisa Station.

• Follow DOC signage to detour away from the station buildings and reach the public car park – leaving any gates as you find them. Note the last 3 km to the car park are on a narrow farm track. Depending on conditions, a 4WD may be required.

Map showing detour around the station buildings (JPG, 299K)

Know before you go

Weather

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Carrying an adequate supply of both drinking water and sun protection is essential.

In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions.

Adverse 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 Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website.

Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November.

View avalanche information.

Firearms

Firearms are not permitted on easements through private property including transportation in vehicles. Entry with a firearm is only allowed via Rock Peak Track.

Dog access

Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but entry and exit is restricted to the Rock Peak Track. All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog including transporting them in vehicles.

Private property

This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times or go around if necessary.

No camping until the conservation area boundary.

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.