Ahuriri Conservation Park
Track Overview
Approx. 9 km from conservation to road end.
Although part of the Canterbury District, The Ahuriri Conservation Park is located just on the other side of the Lindis Pass and is definitely one of the top 5 areas to visit!
Nestled in a stunning Valley, surrounded by mountains, you can travel from the edge of the conservation boundary for approximately 9 km to the road end and then sky's the limit! You could spend a good week up there exploring.
About 1.5 km past road end you need to navigate the river forks which can be quite swampy and hard to cross at times. My suggestion would be to find a wide gravelly area to cross over away from the swamp areas. From there, follow the Ahuriri River North and you have a selection of 3 huts available (see accommodation).
There is access to many tracks and trails from this valley including Snowy Gorge Creek, Dingle Burn Track and Te Araroa. These tracks are currently unexplored by us, but information will be updated in the future.
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There is NO CELL COVERAGE. Please take an emergency form of communication (ELB or SAT phone) and always let people know your planned routes. Also take suitable gear/food/water and first aid, the weather is very changeable in this valley and is prone to slips, washouts and river flooding.
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To help preserve our conservation areas please take these steps to help prevent spread of invasive species:
* Feed your horse on local grasses and cut out legumes, crops or weeds for at least 24 hrs prior.
* Pick out any foreign matter collected in the horse's hooves/shoes before entering.
* Do not bring any Hay or Grain into the conservation area.
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Directions and Float Parking
From Omarama-Lindis Pass road (SH8, turn off to Birchwood Road) it is approximately 24 km to the Conservation boundary. The road is all gravel and is very good until Ben Avon station, the last few km is a bit rough with pot holes but is easily managed with some slick dodging techniques. Near the lodge are two very small fords which are very stoney/gravelly but shallow and easily crossed with a lower vehicle/truck/float etc.
Parking areas are located on the map and in conservation areas (though hard to get to).
If you ask the lodge managers nicely they may allow parking below the lodge.
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Its approx 1 hour from Tarras to Birchwood Road turnoff and another 30-40 mins to conservation boundary.
From Omarama its only about 20-30 mins to Birchwood turnoff.
Very clearly mapped on Google Maps.
Past the lodge (conservation boundary) is 4x4 only and you will get stuck with a trailer/float.
Accommodation
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Located at the very end of Birchwood Road, on the Boundary of the Conservation area is the old Birchwood Homestead. This GORGEOUS old homestead has been refurbished and is an amazing accommodation option for up to 8 people. With a good sized paddock for your horses and convenient location, it is a superb and comfortable option. Bookings are essential.
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There are four huts available along the Ahuriri River. The Ahuriri Base Hut, Hagens Hut, Shamrock Hut and Top Hut.
Hagens, Shamrock and Top Huts are all approximately 2 hours hike time from each other.
For information and to stay in a hut click here
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The Beautiful Historic Quailburn Camp site is available to use and is a great place to camp out whilst exploring the area! click here for details.
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Camping is permitted anywhere in the conservation areas.
Please be mindful of conservation boundaries, camping is not permitted on access easements.
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Alternatively, if you have squillions of dollars, google "The Lindis"
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