Grandview
(Nook RD)
Track Overview
Approx. 7 km each way to lookout over Cameron Gully
Need to get in some hill work? This track will not disappoint! Spectacular views of Lake Hawea and Hawea Flat, not to mention the surrounding mountains. With pockets of native beech following the creek and up onto tussock country you'll gain some altitude (approx 830m!) to overlook the valley. Lunch with a view!
This track continues up to Grandview Mountain and into the the Grandview Ridge Track and Grandview Conservation areas.
Once you hit the fence with no gate, shoot up the hill along the fence line and there is a Taranaki gate at the top.
This is one of many access tracks to the Grandview Range and miles of exploring. Huge country up there so make sure you are prepared and have a good Topo Map. Be prepared for all conditions!
Good grassy, dirt farm track to the lookout then mountainous terrain thereafter but mostly good 4x4 track.
Track is marked with orange markers and DOC signs.
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The track is closed for lambing from 12 am, 26 September – 12 am, 8 November.
Access for horse riders is via the galvanised gate next to the public access stile in the carpark.
Directions and Float Parking
Track entrance is signposted at carpark at the end of Nook Rd, approx 6 km east from the Lake Hawea Township. There are plenty of grassy areas just before carpark or around carpark for float parking, but mind the wee creek!
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Enter Grandview Mountain Track into google maps for directions.
Accommodation
N/A
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Timaru River Mouth
Track Overview
Approx. 7 km each way from John's Creek to Timaru River Camp site.
A lovely lakeside ride following a well maintained gravel road along Lake Hawea.
Starting at Johns Creek, you follow the road in crossing little fords and going past cattle stops (which all have gates). This beautiful and scenic ride would be great in the Winter with snow on the mountains and the well cared for surrounding farmland. The road passes through Private farmland of Lake Hawea Station, check out their amazing entranceway on the drive in!
This is a public road and you are likely to encounter traffic, stock and bikes/mxbikes.
There are many wee areas you can nip down to the lake shore but please don't enter any farm gates.
Once you get to the Timaru River track carpark approx 7km in you cross the bridge and walk up about 60m take your first left where the Camp ground sign is and follow down to the river mouth.
Please be aware of the river, after rain it can be quite aggressive but when its low you can ride upstream and come out at the bridge/carpark.
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Take some insect repellant! There will be biters!
Directions and Float Parking
Enter Johns Creek Track, Gladstone, into Google Maps and it will take you to a lovely grassy park with trees and a lovely beach front, once on your way follow the Timaru Creek Road around the Lake ( the road you came in on). Please don't leave any poo in the park!
If you want to shorten your trip a little continue past Johns Creek and after the first ford there is cattle stop and just past that on the left there is a large grass area to park, its very obvious.
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Do not travel past this point there is little to no parking areas and very hard to turn around.
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You can however drive all the way through to the Timaru River track carpark but just before the carpark is a steep hill which I wouldn't recommend travelling with a heavy truck or two horses in the trailer. I can take my single heavy horse up in 4X4.
Johns Creek Track Park
Looking back towards Lake Hawea Town
Accommodation
Check out "places to stay" tab for places to stay with your horse in the area.
Camping is permitted at the campground area by the river mouth. They have non flush toilets.