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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: -44.27054, 170.11864. 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
- 12 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Twizel 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
This is a lovely walk alongside Twizel River however lower sections of the track often flood and require crossing the river, so take care.
This DOC directory entry covers Twizel River Trail in Canterbury, within Twizel 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: 12 km one way
- Walking time: 4 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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 river is intermittently lined with willow trees that provide plenty of shade. Walkers may also enjoy the opportunity to find uncrowded swimming holes and picnic spots.
Most of this track is a public access easement through private farm land so keep to the track.
Lower sections of this track beyond Shirleys Camp often flood and require crossing the river. This will not be suitable for all track users, use with caution.
Mountain biking
This is a good single track ride. It may get washed out in this middle section so you may need to push your bike in places. At the trail end, return the same way or alternatively, follow Ōhau River Road back to the start.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
Twizel River Trail is signposted directly opposite the Twizel town.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo 50 BZ15 Twizel, BZ16 Dover Pass
Private property and permissions
This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.
Respect the landowner's livestock and property:
Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
Leave gates as you find them
Use stiles where provided
Keep your distance from livestock.
Dogs
You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
