10 October 2026
Partly cloudy, then a few showers from late afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery east of Alexandra. Northerlies developing early afternoon.
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Walking track
Oteake Conservation Park
This loop begins at Homestead Campsite where you travel through golden tussock to reach the Manuherikia River. When the river junction is reached, follow West Manuherikia Track to Boundary Creek hut. There are many unbridged river crossings along the route, know how to cross a river safely and be prepared to wait it out if it is not safe to cross. From Boundary Creek Hut the Mutton Creek Track can be followed up over the ridge to Mutton Creek. There are steep climbs at either end of the track. Follow the East Manuherikia Track back to Homestead Campsite. The Manuherikia Tracks are 4WD, Homestead Track and Mutton Creek Track are not.
Distance
23.5 km
Walking time
9 hours
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
10 October 2026
Partly cloudy, then a few showers from late afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery east of Alexandra. Northerlies developing early afternoon.
11 October 2026
Mainly fine but the chance of a showers from late afternoon east of Alexandra. Northwesterlies for a time late morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies, dying out in the afternoon.
14 October 2026
Showers, some heavy. Snow lowering to 900 metres in the afternoon. Southwesterlies developing in the afternoon.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
This loop begins at Homestead Campsite where you travel through golden tussock to reach the Manuherikia River. When the river junction is reached, follow West Manuherikia Track to Boundary Creek hut. There are many unbridged river crossings along the route, know how to cross a river safely and be prepared to wait it out if it is not safe to cross. From Boundary Creek Hut the Mutton Creek Track can be followed up over the ridge to Mutton Creek. There are steep climbs at either end of the track. Follow the East Manuherikia Track back to Homestead Campsite. The Manuherikia Tracks are 4WD, Homestead Track and Mutton Creek Track are not.
East Manuherikia Road is open from Labour weekend until 30 April annually. The West Mauherikia Road is not a through road from 1 May to Labour Weekend. Vehicles can drive from Boundary Creek Hut to Top Hut but not beyond during this period. In summer hot, dry conditions are prevalent. Carry plenty of water. Alpine conditions may occur at any time of year. An avalanche risk may exist between May and October. Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. Be aware of weather conditions in the catchment headwaters
Homestead Campsite Boundary Creek Hut
The vehicle bridge on Hawkdun Runs Road is currently closed and cannot be used. The vehicle ford is recommended for experienced 4WD users only. Much of the public access into the park is along easements crossing private land. Please respect this by driving carefully, keeping to tracks and roads, and leaving gates as you find them. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
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 .
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.