Short Walks In Twizel

Duration

2 ½ hours, 9km

How to get there

There are many entries and exits to this walk, a good suggested starting point is at the car park area on Glen Lyon Road. From Glen Lyon Road there is river access, or you can walk left or right along the walkway.

Intensity

Easy, flat, suitable for most levels of fitness

Description of walk

The walk encircles Twizel township amongst the pine trees and grassland. Highlights include the Twizel River and ‘Man Made Hill’. There are good views of Aoraki Mt Cook from parts of the riverbank walkway along Glen Lyon Road.

Facilities & important information

The township of Twizel provides full service facilities including public toilets and a range of restaurants, cafes and other shops.

Accessible year round, the track is marked with signposts.

Dogs allowed

Yes

Duration

5 hours, 24km

How to get there

The Twizel river trail is located opposite Twizel township on the Eastern side of State Highway 8. Look out for a pedestrian gate with a Department of Conservation sign.

Intensity

Easy terrain on a well-formed track, a reasonable level of fitness is required due to the length of the walk

Description of walk

The walkway is on old farm tracks as well as a newly established river track. There are great views of the Mackenzie basin along the trail, and opportunities to stop and find picnic spots and swimming holes along the river. There are also stunning views of Aoraki Mt Cook and near the end of the trail a viewpoint overlooking Lake Benmore. You can then return via the same track, or along Ohau River Road.

Facilities & important information

The township of Twizel provides full service facilities including public toilets and a range of restaurants, cafes and other shops.

The pedestrian gate is wide enough to fit all terrain buggies through so can be a good option for a river walk for young families.
There are plenty of shady spots with willows lining the river.

Dogs allowed

No

Duration

2 ½ hours, 10 km

How to get there

This walk starts 1 ½ km north of Twizel township off State Highway 8.

Intensity

This walk is very flat, easy terrain

Description of walk

An old farm track heads northeast to Pukaki River, over tussock grasslands. On a fine day, expect stunning views to Ben Ohau Range and the Southern Alps. Native plant species found here include mat daisies, native broom, blue tussock and native daphne.

Facilities & important information

The township of Twizel provides full service facilities including public toilets and a range of restaurants, cafes and other shops. There are no shaded areas on this walk.

Dogs allowed

Yes, on leash

Duration

4 hours, 5 km

How to get there

Take the Glen Lyon Road from Twizel for approximately 23km. This road travels around the eastern edge of Lake Ohau. There is a car park at the road end with a DOC sign marking the start of the track.

Intensity

Medium, the track ascends over 800 metres, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Description of walk

An old 4WD track climbs past a remnant mountain beech forest up the Western flank of Ben Ohau Peak. There are exceptional views across four lakes – Ohau, Pukaki, Benmore and Ruataniwha, surrounded by mountains to reward walkers who reach the summit at 1500m.

Facilities & important information

The township of Twizel which is 23 km away, provides full service facilities including public toilets and a range of restaurants, cafes and other shops. This walk is best enjoyed in summer and autumn, it can be snow covered at other times during the year. As the walk is exposed take plenty of water, sunscreen, and warm clothing in case of changing weather conditions.

Dogs allowed

No