Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.1%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Starting from the carpark on Ardgour Rd, head over the stil and follow the farm road. There are a few orange markers to point the way, but stay on the main track and you'll be fine. Follow this track up Dry Creek, head all the way up the valley until you come to the end of the farm track at about 8.5km. On the way up, you'll pass through Dry Creek Conservation Area as well as passing the turn off to a track up to Cloudy Peak. The upper section of the Dry Creek Track is closed annually for lambing from 10 October to 21 November inclusive. Once you hit the end, it is a case of following the ridge line up to the summit. The climb is very reminiscent of the Mt Difficulty Ascent, though not quite as steep gradient (only 460m ascent in 1.6km). You can choose your own path as you are in the Neinei i kura Conservation Area, but keep on the left of the fenceline as that marks the boundary of the conservation land.
Once you've reached the rocky summit, enjoy the views back the way you have come, as well as into the Manuherikia Valley, and then follow the same route back down to your car.
This trail includes the peak Mount Kamaka.
Classic Central Otago country. Rugged terrain, schist tors, wild deer. Many views to enjoy.
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.
Nice wee parking area, right next to the farm house so should be relatively safe.
29 km
22 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Follow the farm track along the valley floor for the first 8.5km.
Follow the ridge line up to the summit.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
No water on track, so make sure you take enough on you.
Would be pretty nasty up on top in the middle of winter. Can be very windy up on top even when calm down below.
Spaniards.
Matagouri.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Kamaka
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now