Entries for the '2hrs and under' Category

Starting approximately 15 minutes from Kinloch on the Routeburn-Glenorchy road, the Diamond Creek walk is a gentle stroll.  Diamon Creek is a very popular stream with trout fisherman and avid birders.  This sometimes boggy track to Lake Reid gives excellent opportunities for viewing waterfowl and views up to Paradise and the Dart Valley.

Time: 1hr
Difficulty: Easy

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>

Follow the Greenstone/Caples Track from the car park. After 2-3 minutes walk a stock bridge gives access to the Lake Rere Track (do not cross here but keep to the true left bank looking downstream). The track continues past the confluence of the Caples and Greenstone Rivers. Another swing bridge provides access to the Greenstone Track. Going further up the Greenstone track will lead to several deep holes ideal for swimming on a summer's day.  Follow the track back the way you came to get back to the car park.

Time: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy

View descriptions of the Greenstone and Caples tracks on the Department of Conservation website >>

A steep climb takes you to the Invincible Gold Mine with good views of the Rees Valley and Mount Earnslaw.  Along the track you can see the remains of the water wheel and a unique set of seven berdans - large, revolving cast iron bowls in which the ore was ground.  The Gold Extractor is about 5 minutes from the start of the Invincible Gold Mine track.  The track was build by miners in the early 1880s.

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

 Visit the track description on the Department of Conservation website >>

Walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu from Kinloch wharf to the cottage on the foreshore and then return or via the road through the beech forest.  This short walk offers is a great introduction to the birdlife in the area.  The three note call of the Korimako (Bell Bird) can be heard repeating over and over again.  Curious Piwakawakas (Fantails) often follow walkers on their journey around the lake.  If you stand still and slowly scratch at the ground with the toe of your boot, a South Island Robin just might jump on top of it!

Time:  1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy

A flat walk to Lake Sylvan starting at the Lake Sylvan DOC campsite.  This easy day walk feels like a stroll through an enchanted forest.  As you get deeper into the forest of tall red beech trees, let your imagination run wild - seems the perfect place for Orks, Hobbits and Centaurs to be running about!  The track winds up to pretty Lake Sylvan, home to brown trout and small native fish. You can come back the way you came, or return via the 1920s tramline loop.  The loop track takes you through regenerating beech forest and is an Operation Ark site where Department of Conservation staff are working to protect the endangered yellowhead/mōhua.  This track is also the entry point for longer overnight trips to Sugarloaf Pass and Rockburn and Beasburn huts.

Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

View track description on Department of Conservation website >>