09 October 2026
Fine, apart from patches of morning low cloud and fog. Light winds.
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1 / 2Pisa Conservation Area
Kirtle Burn Track
Kirtle Burn Track starts at the Western side of the Pisa Conservation Area, accessing Kirtle Burn Hut, and giving access to Mt Pisa.
Distance
12.38 km
Walking time
6 hr return
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Central Otago forecast
Issued 8 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
10 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Northerlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
Mainly fine, isolated showers developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, dying out in the evening.
12 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Rain developing. Northwesterlies developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kirtle Burn Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kirtle Burn Track
The Kirtle Burn Track commences at the Western edge of the Pisa Conservation Area. You can reach the area via Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road through Snow Farm or Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (refer to “Getting there.”) Begin on the left-hand (northern fork) of the trail, which kicks-off witha steep zig-zag climb before reaching a ridge line that can be followed all the way to Mt Pisa. The track offers an opportunity to stop by the Kirtle Burn Hut, which is you'll from the turn-off to the south along the trail. From the hut, descend on the lower trail which follows the Roaring Meg/Kirtle Burn to complete the loop and returns to the Pisa Conservation Area border. Keep in mind that this section of the loop crosses the river twice and requires caution if descending on a mountain bike or traveling in snowy conditions that conceal the streams. Alternatively, hikers can utilise this track to link with the Pisa Range Ridge Track which links up with Mt Pisa and connects to other tracks in the conservation area.
Essential information for Kirtle Burn Track
Weather: In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common and there is no shade. Taking plenty of drinking water and wearing sun protection is essential. There are no toilets or other facilities on this track, and water sources are not reliable. Winter: From May until November, mountaineering or ski touring experience and equipment is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions. Check the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory for Queenstown before you go as this track crosses known avalanche paths. Access: Access to the Western side of the Pisa Conservation area is gained either through Snow Farm or Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground. See “Getting there.” The Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground operates year-round, so be aware of moving machinery and vehicles in the Snow Farm Lodge carpark at all times. Access roads adjacent to the estate area are used for vehicle testing, so extreme care is required. Photographs or recording devices are not permitted, this includes the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems/drones. Private property: The track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property by staying on the marked track until you reach the conservation area, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times or go around if necessary. Dogs: Dogs are allowed in the Pisa Conservation Area, but access is restricted to the Rock Peak Track which starts at Crown Saddle carpark at the southern end of the range. All other entry points require landowner permission to enter with a dog. Contact the landowner to seek permission .
Huts and campsites
Camping can happen anywhere within the conservation area boundary, but is prohibited on private land. Kirtle Burn Hut is a DOC managed hut available on the western slopes of Mount Pisa which has seven bunks. If heading north, Robrosa Hut is a private hut north of Mt Pisa which sleeps four comfortably, or six at a squeeze. Contact the owner to book . If heading south, Deep Creek Hut is a basic six-bunk hut just below Mitre Rocks at the top of the Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track . Further down the Pack Track you'll find Meg Hut which is in a nice sheltered spot next to Meg Stream with eight bunks.
Getting there for Kirtle Burn Track
Access to the Kirtle Burn Hut is from the Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road, which involves 13 km of driving on a gravel road. Chains may be required in winter. The Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road is 22 km from Wanaka off the Cardrona Valley Road. There are options to access the Pisa Conservation Area either through Snow Farm or the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. There are costs to park at both places. Find out more on DOC's website. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Kirtle Burn Track
Not Applicable
Before you walk Kirtle Burn Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.