Bridle Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This well-graded track follows a section of the old Bridle Track, the first link between Otago and Westland.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
This well-graded forest path follows a section of the old Bridle Track, the first link between Otago and Westland.
We recommend walkers use two vehicles (one at each end) or walk back the same way. Avoid walking back along the state highway as it is narrow and very busy.
For a longer walk, consider adding a side trip to Haast Pass Lookout (1 hr return), which starts on the other side of SH6 at Haast Pass/Tioripatea summit.
Getting there
There are two car parks (Davis Flat and Haast Pass/Tioripatea summit), both located approximately 80 km north of Wanaka on the Haast Pass Highway (SH6).
Know before you go
The nearest toilet facilities are located at the Cameron Flat campsite, 10 km south along SH6.
Davis Flat car park is in danger of being washed out during heavy rain. Do not leave your vehicle overnight during heavy rain forecast.
No visitor centre in Makarora
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track