The Ben Ōhau and Greta Stream Walk is a must-do for anyone looking for an epic day walk with spectacular views in the Mackenzie Region. While there is a steep climb to begin with, the views are more than worth it once you reach the top. Be sure to carry plenty of food and water, and expect a breeze — ‘Ōhau’ means ‘wind’ in Te Reo Māori.

The trailhead is located approximately 22 kilometres from Twizel township, along Glen Lyon Road on the north side of Lake Ōhau. Starting from the car park, you immediately pass an old derelict musterer’s hut from the 1890s called Back Hut. From there, it’s a five-kilometre climb up the western flank of Ben Ōhau/Ruataniwha Peak. To find the true summit at 1522m, you will need to deviate from the trail and pick your own trail to the top.

On a clear day, the 360-degree view includes spectacular views of the nearby lakes (Lake Ōhau, Lake Ruataniwha, Lake Benmore and Lake Pūkaki) and surrounding mountains. One particularly obvious feature is the access road to the Lake Ōhau ski field in the Ōhau Range across the lake.

Continuing along the trail, walk 10 minutes to the apex, where you’re rewarded with breath-taking vistas of the Mackenzie Region. Rejoin the 4WD track, which descends sharply down a basin and follows a feeder stream of the Greta through remnant stands of beech, manuka and totara. After nearly four kilometres there’s a short climb to leave the stream, and from there it’s all downhill back to the start at the lake’s edge.

This trail is located in the high country where the weather can change in an instant. We recommend you wear suitable clothing for the alpine environment and adhere to the DOC safety code.

The Ben Ōhau & Greta Stream Walk – just one of our #52Reasons why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!