Cowans Hill Track
Alerts
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.
The track passes through exotic forest, open tussock country and past small tarns where wetland birds may stop to feed. It is suitable for walkers and mountain bikers.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Walk from Tekapo township to the start of the track near the Tekapo Road Bridge, otherwise park your vehicle in the car park off SH8 near Hamilton Drive. The track passes through exotic forest, open tussock country and past small tarns where wetland birds may stop to feed.
From the high point on this track walkers can appreciate the views of Lake Tekapo and surrounding mountains
Mountain biking
You can park in the public car park on Hamilton Drive and ride uphill from there to the track start on Cowans Hill. The actual formed track is 3.2 km but to start and finish from Hamilton Drive is a 5 km circuit.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
This track can be started from:
- the Tekapo Road bridge in Tekapo
- 1 km along SH8 when heading east out of Tekapo.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track