Pt 1,444 Trig
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
Sorry, we can't show Avalanche NZ forecasts or alerts on this site. Avalanche NZ doesn't permit it.
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.
A day walk from Queensberry with spectacular views of the Upper Clutha basin.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Sampled from the national 8m elevation model. No LiDAR survey covers this route yet.
Description
Start at Queensberry car park and climb the Pisa Range Ridge Track. This is a steady climb through farmland, up past the Alfern Conservation Area and its small remnant grove of kānuka and Hall’s tōtara.
Climb over the stile into the Pisa Conservation Area and follow the farm track towards the trig at 1,444 m altitude.
Take in the panoramic view over the Upper Clutha basin from Lake Hāwea to the southern end of Grandview Ridge.
Return the same way.
Getting there
Drive 20 km south of Wānaka along SH6. Turn right into Pukekowhai Drive and drive up to the T junction at the top. Turn left into Wailana Heights Drive until you reach Queensberry car park on your right.
Know before you go
Weather
In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Carrying an adequate supply of both drinking water and sun protection is essential.
In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions.
Adverse weather: The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present.
Check the Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website.
Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November.
Firearms
Firearms are not permitted on easements through private property including transportation in vehicles. Entry with a firearm is only allowed via Rock Peak Track.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but entry and exit is restricted to the Rock Peak Track. All other entry points are via easements through private property and require landowner permission to enter with a dog including transporting them in vehicles.
Private property
This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times or go around if necessary.
No camping until the conservation area boundary.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track