Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Old Man Obelisk

Alexandra, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 39 ?

Gnarl Factor: 10 ?

32.2km

1530m

1530m

1691m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Mountainous

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
85%
5%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

4:00

Moderate

3:00

Fast

Starting at the trail head just of Fraser Dam Rd, you head along the farm track alongside Omeo Creek for a while then deviate and head up the farm track (and marked with poles) up in to the Kopuwai Conservation Area. The trail winds its way up the hill, make sure you turn around and appreciate the views every once in a while. Keep following the trail and it will take you all the way up to the Obselisk (or Kopuwai, from local Maori legends) and provides some outstanding views of the local area. After savouring the views, head back down the hill via the Prospect Hill track which takes you back to the car along another lovely path. Follow this track down until it reaches Fraser Dam Rd, then head back along the road to the car to complete the loop.

This trail includes the peak Obelisk.

Kopuwai/Obelisk as well as the Central Otago landscape

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Parking at trail head. Pretty rural, should be safe.

12 km

16 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Poles marking track as well as very good DOC signposts

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Omeo Creek as well as other small sources

Can be very windy on the tops, as well as snow accumulation during winter would make it pretty tough to do without snow shoes.

The Courthouse Cafe
8 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
http://www.packingshedcompany.com/
Great food and coffee

Trail Legend

EB

Eva Bergler

has completed Old Man Obelisk once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Just to note the prospect hill track is CLOSED during lambing. 15th October through to the 15th November

Phillip Miller

December 30, 2017

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