Mount Ida Water Race Track
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
Sorry, we can't show NIWA weather or alerts on this site. NIWA doesn't permit paid apps to do this.
Forecast point: Ida Railway Hut (1340m) · 13.9km away
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 track follows a water race which is still in use. It has great views of the St Bathans basin and Falls Dam valley. The track is overgrown with sections of long grass and washouts.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
From the end of Shepherds Hut Creek Track, the track leads along the foot of the Hawkdun Range. It ends at Pierces Gorge. From here, follow a 4WD track for 1km/15 mins to end at Home Hills Runs Road.
The intersecting 4WD tracks provide an opportunity for shorter loops.
There are unbridged streams on the track. Assess these carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.
Getting there
The track can be accessed from three 4WD tracks, off Home Hills Runs Road:
- Shepherds Hut Creek Track
- Hut Creek
- Pierces Gorge.
Know before you go
Pack the right gear
Take clothing for all weather including warm, waterproof clothing and sun protection.
Be careful of rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Be aware of weather conditions in the catchment headwaters. Check fords before entry.
No fires
Fires are not allowed anywhere in Oteake Conservation Park.
Check the weather forecast
Shared use tracks
Many of the tracks in Oteake Conservation Park are shared use. You may encounter walkers, mountain bikers and people riding horses. Take care and respect other track users.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches most frequently occur from May to November in Oteake Conservation Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period if there is still snow coverage.
You should always follow the three components of avalanche safety:
- Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
- Check the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory information for the area you’re going in to.
- Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
The following page has ATES information for Oteake Conservation Park.
Be avalanche alert in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory is provided by the Mountain Safety Council.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track