Maratoto: Wires 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.
This well marked track gives lovely views across Maratoto and you can see remnants of the old telephone line.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The Wires Track is named after the telephone line which used to run through the Maratoto. Remnants of these old telephone poles can be seen along the track, as can the fence from an old cattle holding pen.
The track is well marked and gives lovely views across Maratoto. It's steep in places.
The track finishes where it meets the Maratoto Track.
To return to the carpark, go back the same way or loop back via the Maratoto Track. The Maratoto Track takes less than two hours.
Experienced trampers can continue on to cross the main range (Maratoto - Wentworth Crossing).
Getting there
Just south of Hikutaia, turn off SH26 onto Maratoto Road. After 6 km, turn off into Wires Road. The track is signposted off Wires Road 500 m before the gate and carpark.
Know before you go
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track