This track traces the lower sections of the Mackenzie Basin power scheme to Lake Ohau and then follows the lakeshore. On the approach, the track also skirts Lake Ruataniwha.
Lake Ruataniwha is manmade and its dam was built between 1978 and 1981. In addition to storing water for power generation, the lake provides recreational opportunity. It’s a world class rowing venue. It’s also where Peter Knight broke a world speed record for Grand Prix hydroplanes in 1996. In doing so he reached a speed of 286.5 kilometres per hour.
In addition to being part of Te Araroa this track will be part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycleway. Construction of the cycleway is scheduled for the summer of 2011/12 but at present the track is unmarked and included some road margin. Regardless, it is a straightforward walk and the route is easy to follow with the use of these notes.
The track starts on SH 8 outside Twizel opposite Ruataniwha Rd where Te Araroa’s next section to the north is sign-posted. From here follow the gravelled walk/cycleway south for 2 km past Meridian Energy’s Twizel office, then continue on down the left side of the road to cross the spill way and then the bridge over the Ohau B canal.
Once across the canal bridge immediately cross the road (i.e. before the salmon farm and Ohau Riverside Drive) and join a formed track that runs along the terrace above Lake Ruataniwha for about 3 km. From the end of this track the trail joins Ohau Riverside Drive and descends around a cove with a large patch of rushes at its head.
Beyond the cove travel is predominantly on the road to the lake head and beyond along the Ohau River to the Weir at Lake Ohau. Walkers have some opportunity for off road walking here. This is on tracks that run on the land between the road and the lake/river.
From the Weir a lakeside track is scheduled for development as part of the Alps to Ocean Cycleway but travel is already straightforward on foot. This is mostly on an old grassed farm track around the Lake Ohau margin. Scrub encroaches in places but doesn’t unduly impede. There are 4 fence lines en route, which can be climbed with care.
Trampers can pick up the track by walking west from the Weir around towards the lake shore. It takes about an hour to reach a private hut set back from shore within a small bay. In the next bay the track breaks through Maori Swamp but travel is okay proximate to the lakeshore on good stock tracks.
In time the lake side track resumes. Continue on to a locked gate at the 4th fences line just before Lake Ohau Road.
Turn right onto the road and follow the road shoulder to Lake Middleton, then follow the eastern shore to the lakehead. Return to road shoulder here and walk past the Alpine Village to a small stand of beech. From this point there is a good track between the road and Lake Ohau around to Glen Mary Ski Club where the next Te Araroa section begins. |
