CANTERBURY Oteake Oteake Further information Conservation Park Ka Moana Haehae/Alexandra office Conservation Park 43 Dunstan Rd Alexandra, 9320 Haere mai, welcome Traverse the tops of mountains PO Box 176 Explore and experience Oteake, a vast PHONE: 03 440 2040 landscape of golden tussock and EMAIL: [email protected] changing light. www.doc.govt.nz Oteake is 67,000 ha of mountainous high country, tussock plateaus, scree slopes, shrubland and wetland. The distinctive flat-topped Hawkdun Range is the park’s centrepiece, often featured in painting, photography, poetry and prose. Oteake Conservation Park and adjoining public conservation land covers 79,000 ha, including large sections of the Saint Bathans, Ewe, Hawkdun, Wether, Ida and Saint Marys ranges and parts of the upper Manuherikia basin. The park offers spectacular 4WD opportunities and tramping, mountain biking, fishing, backcountry skiing, horse riding, photography and hunting Cover: 4WD tracks in Oteake. Photo: ©Stef Cotteret Back: The ranges of Oteake Conservation Park at sunrise. opportunities. There are many significant Photo: Crystal Brindle gold-mining sites to explore, including Buster Diggings and the Scandinavian

Published by: Water Race. Department of Conservation Ka Moana Haehae/Alexandra office 43 Dunstan Rd Alexandra, 9320 December 2019 Editing and design: DOC Creative Services

This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. R145906 Oteake highlights History Plants and animals Experience the landscape of changing light • The Kai Tahu iwi believe that Oteake (‘place Oteake’s landscape comprises rounded tussock-covered with a 4WD along the tops via Mount Buster Rd of the ake’) is named for the ake ake: Olearia hills, grey shrubland on the valley floors, and alpine to Johnstones Creek Track. avicenniifolia, a conspicuous shrub daisy found herb fields and fell fields in the hilltops. Otago species • Travel the backcountry tracks linking in the park. Oteake is also the indigenous name reach their northern limits here, and Canterbury species Saint Bathans with . for both the Kye Burn and a stream on the other reach their southern limits. The park protects numerous • Stay overnight in a high-country mustering hut. side of the range. communities, including cypress hebe, native coral broom and scree pea. • Enjoy unique native shrubland and waterfall Oteake was important to tangata whenua from views with a walk along the Little Kye Burn. coastal Otago kāika (settlements) for mahika kai The falcon/kārearea, geckos such as the • Explore Buster Diggings, spectacular quartz – places for gathering food. Weka were hunted Otago large gecko (Woodworthia sp.), and rare native fish gravel sculptures. and plants gathered. Stone quarries in the upper like the roundhead galaxias (Galaxias anomalus) and • Mountain bike the Ida Water Race Track Manuherikia are evidence of iwi activity. flathead galaxias(Galaxias depressiceps), are found here. with your family. Oteake’s European history began in the 1850s, laxia e ga s. Ph when pastoral leases were issued throughout pin ot al o: a R ki o the ’s high country, creating large ri d Check, Clean, Dry e M h u o Stop the spread of didymo and other freshwater leaseholdings such as Hawkdun, Omarama, n r r a i s pests. Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items Otekaike and Morven Hill stations. These were M before entering, and when moving between, waterways. subdivided over time, and more recently have become Oteake Conservation Park. No unauthorised drones An authorisation is required from DOC to use drones The park shows evidence of gold mining with on public conservation land. To apply, visit www.doc.govt.nz/drones. remains of water races, prospecting pits, hut sites and alluvial mining sluicings. Buster Diggings, and falco eal n. P a spectacular sculptural landform created by Z ho ew to N : / K alluvial gold mining, was once New Zealand’s a re L a a e n highest goldfield at 1,200 m. r g ā e K Coral broom. Photo: K McKinley Coral broom. Scree pea. Photo: G Crowcroft Scree Buster diggings. Photo: Amanda Ware section overleaf. For more walking tracks, see the ‘Track descriptions’ remarkable Buster Diggings. Kye Burn stream through native shrubland uptothe Track is agreat summer day walk along offer views, and picnicand swimming spots. Little 4 Walking and tramping find them. leaving gates as you formed tracks and this by keeping tothe private land. Respect Several access routes cross backcountry skills. tracks inthe park require goodroute-finding and Track, which is for walkers only). The many unmarked mountain biking and walking (except Little Kyeburn All marked tracks are suitable for horse riding, 4WD journeys and more. Oteake offers spectacular walking and tramping, Things to see and do appropriate tothe conditions and terrain. be self-sufficient and carry recovery equipment difficult to reverse or pass other traffic. You should Do not attempt routes ifyou are unsure. Itmay be 4WD vehicles onsteepand rough terrain. shown onthe map. You musthave experience driving All vehicles muststay onthe formed marked tracks susceptible todamage. 30 April, but may beclosed atany time as tracks are WD and motorbike tracks The park’s 4WDtracks are opento vehicles between Labour Weekend and All tracks inthe park are suitable for walking/tramping and many

Oteake. Photo: Matt Sole Oteake 4WD. Photo: Phil Tisch Ski tour. Photo: R Wardle Other activities Fishing Horse riding Dogs: Hunting: Park but mustalways beunder control. for apermit.Donot huntoutside the park. Oteake Conservation Park. Visit www.doc.govt.nz Dogs are allowed inOteake Conservation There is goodhunting for deerand pigs in Ski touring/ snow shoeing

explore Oteake. Rd, are nearby and provide goodbases from which to Recreation Reserve, off Kyeburn Diggings campsite withinthe park. StBathans Domain and The Homestead off Hawkdun Runs Rd is the only Camping You need tobuy ahutticket before your stay. The park has tenhuts and abasic campsite (see below). Huts or Otago Central Railway. mustering hutsrelocated from the Roxburgh dam memorable overnight experience. Some are former You can stay inone ofthe distinctive hutsfor a See map for hutlocations. Places to stay and follow the Leave No Trace rules. your sitecarefully tominimise damage tothe landscape, streams. You can camp anywhere inthe park. Choose All campsites are ‘basic’ campsites –they are free Basic hut:Basic shelter withlimitedfacilities. Standard hut:Has mattresses, water supply and tussockland –there are no trees. wood ifyou plan touse them, as this is Free. Some hutshave fireplaces. Bring your own of charge, have toilets,and use water from nearby 10 years free. toilets. One hutticket pernight,children upto

Untreated water – Water at huts is not treated or Mountain biking tested, and may not be suitable for drinking, food preparation, tooth brushing or washing dishes. Oteake offers tracks for everyone, from beginners to Boil water before use. adventurous bikers, with half- and full-day options. No fires – as the huts do have fire places. Some popular mountain bike tracks include:

Note: Ida Railway and Tailings huts have a shared-use arrangement with the Mount Ida syndicate. These huts may Half day: Mount Ida Water Race Track be in use from 7 January to 30 April – call DOC to check 18 km availability (see back cover). A great family trip with views and opportunities for smaller loops.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Ida Railway Hut. Photo: Phil Tisch Wire Yard Hut. Full day: East/West Manuherikia Track Loop Photo: DOC Buster Hut. Photo: Tessa Bunny 50 km from Hawkdun Runs Rd, or 43 km via Saddle Ridge Track 43 km starting from Broken Hut Rd There are many river crossings on West Manuherikia, and a steady climb after Top Hut. Saddle Ridge Track is steep; for an easier gradient but longer ride, take Broken Hut Rd. For more mountain biking tracks and details on track

grades, see the ‘Track description’ section overleaf. Photo: Phil Oliver East Manuherikia Track.

Track gradients

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leation m ome ills uns oad car par Mt Buster – Johnstones Creek Track istance m Track descriptions From Broken Hut Road car park, the track travels along 5 Hut Creek Hut Track the flat across farmland before a steady climb to the Tailings Hut, past Hut Creek Hut to The map in this brochure is a guide only – you should Omarama Saddle (9.5 km from the car park), providing Conservation Boundary: 4–5 hr, 15 km an easier gradient than the East Manuherikia Track. carry 1:50,000 topographical maps: sheets NZTopo50 It is 8 km from the Tailings Hut to Hut Creek The track descends steeply to the valley with numerous CA14, CA15, CA16, CB14, CB15, CB16, CB17. Hut. Beyond Hut Creek Hut, the track becomes rocky, river crossings to Hawkdun Runs Rd. There are two steep and narrow. The track ends at the park boundary huts along this track. Track grades with no access to the Waitaki valley. Walking track – easy to moderate walking from a few 2 East Manuherikia Track minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed, some 6 Mount Kyeburn Track 8-10 hr tramp, 22 km sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for 5–6 hr, 14 km people with low to moderate fitness and abilities. Clearly From the Broken Hut Road car park it is a steady 5 km signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking Recommended for experienced 4WD drivers. climb to Little Omarama Saddle (1,357 m) and then a long shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required. From Buster Diggings (1,200 m), the track descent to Hawkdun Runs Rd. Tramping track – challenging day or multi-day follows the ridge below Mount Kyeburn (1,560 m) where tramping/hiking. Track is mostly unformed with steep, the track becomes narrow and exposed, and drops steeply rough or muddy sections. Suitable for people with 3 Johnstones Creek Track to Danseys Pass Rd (700 m). A less challenging track from good fitness. Moderate to high-level backcountry skills and Multi-day tramp, 34 km. Refer to experience, including navigation and survival skills required. Buster Diggings is the Mount Buster Track. gradient graph. Route – challenging overnight tramping/hiking. Track unformed and natural, may be rough and very steep. Recommended for experienced 4WD drivers. It Suitable for people with above-average fitness. is steep with several river crossings. From Home Hills Runs High-level backcountry skills and experience, including Rd (720 m) the narrow, rough track climbs steeply onto the navigation and survival skills, required. Track has marker Hawkdun Range (1,620 m). The track then follows the crest poles or rock cairns Expect unbridged stream and river Your safety is your responsibility crossings. Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required. of the range before reaching Wire Yards Hut. Ida Railway Take clothing for all weather. Oteake is subject to flooding, Hut is a further 3.5 km, and another 6 km is the turn-off snowfall and weather extremes. to Chimney Creek Hut. The track then descends steeply Mountain bike grades Topographical maps are essential for all backcountry trips. into Boundary Creek, climbs again then drops into Guffies Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in the park. Easy – mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth Creek before reaching the Mount Buster and Hut Creek Satellite phones, mountain radios and personal locator track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks beacons increase personal safety. and potholes. Track junction at Tailings Hut. River crossings: Be aware of weather conditions in Intermediate – steep slopes and/or avoidable the catchment headwaters. Do not attempt to cross obstacles, possibly on narrow track and/or with poor 4 Mount Buster Track swollen rivers or streams. Check fords before entry. traction. There may be exposure at track’s outer edge. Mt Buster Rd to Tailings Hut: Avalanches can occur from May to November. Advanced – a mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow 5-6 hr, 15 km See the ’Be Avalanche Alert’ page at track, poor traction and difficult obstacles to avoid or www.doc.govt.nz jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside Starting at the Mount Buster Rd Oteake park entrance, edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk. crossing the Little Kyeburn (660 m), the well-formed track NO FIRES anywhere in Oteake Conservation Park. climbs steeply to the Buster Diggings (1,200 m). The track No dogs. 4WD access tracks then descends steeply into Guffies Creek passing the turn- off to Brown Hut. To reach Brown Hut, turn right onto Before your trip: 1 Brown Hut road which climbs for 2.5 km before reaching West Manuherikia Track • Visit your local DOC office orwww.doc.govt.nz Broken Hut Rd to Top Hut: 11 km Brown Hut (1,100 m). To reach Tailings Hut stay on the to make sure all huts and tracks are open. Top Hut to Boundary Creek Hut: 8.5 km Mount Buster Road and continue for 4 km. There are • Check the weather forecast. many river crossings. • Leave your intentions with someone, and register Boundary Creek Hut to Hawkduns Rd: 8.5 km on www.adventuresmart.org.nz 8-10 hr tramp, 28 km Mountain bike and Links the lower sections of the West and East 16 Baldy Knob Route Manuherikia tracks. A shorter loop option for cyclists Otamatapaio Scenic Reserve to Oteake tramping tracks and trampers, this is a rough track with a very steep Conservation Park boundary: 3–4 hr, 11.5 km climb at both ends. This route provides a tramping link from the top of 7 Ewe Range Track Otamatapaio Scenic Reserve to the Hawkdun Range. 3 hr, 6 km 11 Berwen Track This track climbs steadily through private farmland. 1.5–2 hr, 5 km 17 Dog Gully Route 4–5 hr, 13.5 km (one way) from Hawkun Runs Rd You will encounter rocky outcrops and then a view 2 hr, 5 km towards from the top of Ewe Range (1,350 m via East Manuherikia Track From the final Otamatapaio Track 4WD car park, walk in altitude). From the saddle, this track provides access The track crosses private farmland and links the 6 km along the Otamatapaio Track until you reach the for experienced trampers and backcountry skiers (in East Manuherikia Track with the Hawkdun Range. Dog Gully Route junction on the right. Follow Dog Gully winter) to explore the Hawkdun Range. Route for another 5 km to the conservation boundary. 12 Homestead Track This is a marked route. 8 Otamatapaio Track 45 min, 1.7 km 4–5 hr, 15 km (from 2WD car park) Short track that follows an old water race and starts at 18 Wether Range Route Turn off SH83 onto Backyards Rd. Follow this gravel The Homestead campsite. 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr, 3 km road for 2 km to the beginning of the 4WD road. There Access off SH8. This is a steep, marked route (there is is parking for 2WD vehicles here – 4WD vehicles can 13 Mount Ida Water Race Track no established track) through private land following continue another 5 km on public conservation land to the 4–5 hr, 18 km a boundary fence to the top of the Wether Range and final car park. From here, walk along the marked route for A well-formed track with a gentle gradient. The track Killermont Conservation Area. 7.5 km through private land to the conservation boundary can be accessed from three 4WD tracks: Shepherds Hut and a further 2.5 km to Otamatapaio Hut (10 km total Creek Track, Hut Creek Track and Pierces Gorge. 19 from the top car park). The route follows an old farm Manuka Creek Route 2–3 hr, 7 km track along the river for most of the way. 14 Little Kyeburn Track From Shortcut Road off SH8 to Killermont Conservation 2 hr, 5 km 9 Saddle Ridge Track Area Boundary. This is a route with no formed track. A popular tramping track (600 m) that travels up the Follow a marked route through private land to Manuka 3 hr, 7 km Little Kyeburn through remnant tōtara and native Creek and access to the Wether Range. Loop options: shrubland to the spectacular Buster Hut and Buster 9 hr loop from Broken Hut Rd car park, 22 km Diggings. A great trip in summer to view the scenic 43 km loop from Hawdun Runs Rd waterfall and swim in the rock pools. From the Oteake A rough and steep climb that links the East and West Conservation Park entrance, travel 2 km along the flats Manuherikia tracks with spectacular views of Aoraki/ to the start of the gorge and marked track. Mount Cook. 15 Otamatakou Track 10 Mutton Creek Track 2 hr, 5 km 3 hr, 6 km From SH83 to Otamatapaio Scenic Reserve Boundary, Loop options: Check before you light a fire – along an old vehicle track. This reserve protects an area a ban may be in place 9 hr, 24 km loop from Hawkdun Runs Rd of remnant native vegetation. 7–8 hr, 17 km loop from Boundary Creek Hut over Mutton Creek Track down east and back up the west branch to hut 0 4 8 km ´ Oteake Conservation Park

Other public conservation land

Standard Hut

Basic Hut

Basic campsite

Car park

Foot/Mountain Bike access Route 4WD access

B IR C 8 H R W NZTopo50 map index O O A O ! D O L II N D II S D C O N S E R V A T II O N 8 A R E A A CA14 CA15 CA16 CA17 k h e u r r 8 m e i r i R i v e e a r 18 t r C ! S Lake 83 i p m a Mt Kirkliston s l r a Benmore g E a 1887 m Longslip Mountain n G m # o O Mt Saint Cuthbert 1494 m L N 82 # A 1#558 m R B

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