Dusky Trail

Located in Ruataniwha Conservation Park and Twizel area in the Canterbury region

Trace the Fraser Stream into the foot of the Ben Ohau Range then traverse the Old Dusky Block to follow the Gladstone and Twizel rivers back out to the Mt Cook Highway.

Starting north of Twizel from the Pukaki Canal Road, you will be beside the Fraser Stream with tempting swimming holes in the lower sections. It crosses the stream twice on the way into the hills and then traverses across the Gladstone Valley through tall tussock and bog pine and offers good views over the Pukaki Moraine Country. 

Then follow the Gladstone Stream down an old farm track to another stream crossing to the true left of the Twizel River. This will take you out through the Pukaki lateral moraine to the Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.  

Mountain biking

Cycle this track in a clockwise direction starting at Fraser Stream. The crossing through Twizel River may contain didymo so it is best to cycle this section last. Remember to check, clean and dry after your ride to prevent the spread of didymo between waterways.

From Twizel travel 6 km on Glen Lyon Road and turn left after crossing the canal. Alternatively travel 12 km north of Twizel and on to Aoraki Mt Cook Highway.

Look out for a small interpretation sign on the side of Glen Lyon Road. There is a shingle area here for car parking.

Unbridged stream crossings are required at three places. Some of this track is an easement across farmland – do not interfere with stock and leave gates as you find them.

Map: NZTopo50 BZ15, Twizel