View of a track winding along the top of a rocky ridge.
Rock and Pillar Ridge Road

Located in Rock and Pillar Conservation Area in the Otago region

This 4WD track follows the ridgetops along the southern half of the Rock and Pillar Range.

This track is suitable for 4WD vehicles, as well as horse riding and mountain biking.

From Old Dunstan Road, an initial climb leads up to McPhees Rock (2.5 km one way) before joining the main Rock and Pillar Range and following it north to Summit Rock, 1450 m above sea level.

From Summit Rock it is possible to join Kinvara Road (a further 10 km one way) to exit down the eastern side of the range to SH87.

Vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the road to preserve the environment.

This 4WD track starts 300 m north of McPhees Creek ford on Old Dunstan Road.

Weather: The Rock and Pillar Conservation Area is very exposed and subject to extreme temperatures – hot and dry in summer, freezing cold and covered in snow in winter.

Avalanches: Avalanche terrain is classified as 'simple' at the northern end of the Rock and Pillar Range and on the tops, and 'complex' on the eastern faces. If you plan to be in this area in winter or spring be avalanche alert.