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: -44.52750, 169.76892. 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
- 1.5-2 hr one way
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Omarama 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
The Wether Range tracks are found south of Omarama.
This DOC directory entry covers Wether Range tracks in Canterbury, within Omarama 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: 1.5-2 hr one way
- 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Shortcut Road to Wether Range Conservation Area
Track category: Tramping trackTime: 2 hrDistance: 6.5 km
Follow a public access easement through private farmland along the fenceline boundary. Once in the conservation area, there is no formed track. A diverse selection of native scrub covers the flats near Manuka Creek which runs through here.
Turn off SH8 into Shortcut Road, 12 km south of Omarama. A sign along Shortcut Road shows the start of the track.
Native scrub in Wether Range Conservation Area
SH8 to Wether Range Conservation Area
Track category: RouteTime: 1.5 hrDistance: 3 km
There is no formed track but follow the DOC markers on the steep fenceline boundary to the conservation area. This is a public access easement through private farmland.
This route is signposted off SH8, 16 km south of Omarama.
Access route along the fenceline (centre) to Wether Range Conservation Area
Getting there
These access points are off SH8, 12 and 16 km south of Omarama.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 CA14 Lindis Pass
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.
