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Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge

Ride alongside canals and Lake Ōhau foreshore, taking in scenic views of the Southern Alps.

Section 3: Twizel to Lake Ōhau Lodge

 DistanceFitnessSkillTraffic Grade
 38kmEasyEasyLow2

From Market Place town centre within Twizel, follow Mackenzie Drive, then Nuns Veil Road which takes you to Glen Lyon Road. Follow this until it crosses the canal bridge just past Loch Cameron (6km).

After crossing over the canal bridge, turn left and stay on the two-lane northern side of the canal road until reaching the edge of Lake Ōhau (18km). From there, an off-road Trail descends to the lake foreshore, taking you to the Ōhau Weir (20km).

After the weir, the Trail skirts around the lake foreshore where it where it passes the Maori Pou and soon after, meets up with the sealed Lake Ōhau Road (29km). Follow the road for the final 10km to Lake Ōhau Lodge (you go past Lake Ōhau Village).

  • Ruataniwha Conservation Park - includes walking & MTB trails
  • Loch Cameron (swimming spot)
  • Pukaki & Ohau Canals
  • Canal Fishing
  • Ben Ohau Range
  • Lake Ohau foreshore
  • Ohau Weir
  • Te Maiharoa Pou on the Lake Ohau shoreline
  • Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Stargazing

  • Check the current lake level before you ride.
  • Glen Lyon Road is a shared space. Please ride single file and  be courteous to locals using this road.
  • Vehicles - be alert for the possibility of vehicles on the short section of Trail around the southern end of Lake Ohau before the weir.
  • Ōhau Weir – when the weir has water flowing over it, do not attempt to cross. Warnings regarding its status will be posted on this web site and the CLOSED weir sign on the exit route from Twizel will be activated.
  • The best alternative if the weir is closed is for you to organise a shuttle from one of the tour operators based in Twizel, to take you to Lake Ōhau on the Lake Ōhau Road and ride from there. We do not recommend riding the Ōhau River Road as part of it must be ridden on SH8 and the Ōhau River Road (15km) is rough and slow.
  • Wind – the section of Trail around the southern end of Lake Ōhau can be exposed to strong and gusty NW winds. Take care and walk exposed sections if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Stock may be encountered on this section of the Trail, especially sheep. Ride quietly and allow them to leave the Trail when they can.
  • Parts of this popular section of Trail around the lake are narrow and winding, so please take care and look out for other riders and walkers.

Section 3 map

Trail route

Trail surfaces

Gallery

Trail sponsors