By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -43.30082, 171.72360. 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
- 3.1 km one way
- Walking time
- 2-3 hr
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
Follow an old 4WD track to a high point above Lake Lyndon.
This DOC directory entry covers Trig M Route in Canterbury, within Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands 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: 3.1 km one way
- Walking time: 2-3 hr
- DOC grade: 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 allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
An old farm track starts alongside State Highway 73, at the Starvation Gully car park halfway between Porters Pass summit and Lake Lyndon.
Climb up the track amongst diverse shrublands, traversing open ridges to trig point M above Lake Lyndon. This route provides great panoramic views.
You can return the same way, or follow the Coach Stream Route from about half way along the Trig M Route. The Coach Stream Route finishes at the bottom of Porters Pass, approximately 4 km from the Starvation Gully carpark. It is best if you have two cars, one in each car park, as walking is not recommended between these carparks.
Side trip: Rabbit Hill
Time: 3–4 hr
Follow the ridgeline from Trig M to Rabbit Hill. This passes through a tussock basin just before the final ascent to the summit of Rabbit Hill. There are numerous springs in this area and it can be very wet underfoot.
Getting there
The Trig M Route begins at the Starvation Gully carpark on SH73, between the top of Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon.
Know before you go
This route is unmarked and suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped people.
Winter snow and ice could make these routes difficult and dangerous.
NZTopo50 map BW21 (Springfield) covers this area.
Times are approximate and one way.
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.
