Pukaki Flats walk

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

The Pukaki flats walk is very flat over an open block of hard tussock grasslands. An old farm track follows a fence line and leads northeast to Pukaki River. The track forms part of Te Araroa from Twizel to Tekapo.

The views from here looking to Ben Ohau Range and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana are stunning on a fine day.

Mountain biking

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through here and provides a good riding surface.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Horse riding

Pukaki Flats Conservation Area is suitable for horse riding.

Can be started from Pukaki High Dam or on SH8 going north out of Twizel.

Map: NZTopo 50 BZ15 Twizel, BZ16 Dover Pass

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.

Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
• Leave gates as you find them
• Use stiles where provided
• Keep your distance from livestock.

Dogs

You need permission from the Makarora River Ranch to take your dog into Hāwea Conservation Park using Boundary Creek Track. Email makaroraranch@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to request permission. You must provide a valid worming certificate to ensure your dog is free from hydatids and sheep measles.

Native plant species found here include mat daisies, native broom, blue tussock and native daphne.