Discover the Tarnbrae Track
Located in the stunning Mackenzie Basin, the Tarnbrae Track stretches 16 km from Ōhau Lodge across the east face of the Ōhau Range to Quailburn Road. The most northern section is also part of Te Araroa. While it's a popular section of the A2O Cycle Trail, the track also provides an accessible walk or shorter cycling option with breathtaking views of Lake Ōhau and its surrounds.
Scenic Journey Through Varied Landscapes
The track begins at Lake Ōhau Lodge, ascending from 540 metres to a peak of 900 metres over 13 km. Initially, you'll traverse tussock grasslands before encountering a brief section of remnant beech forest near Freehold Creek. The majority of the trail is dominated by tussock for unobstructed vistas of Lake Ōhau and the expansive Mackenzie Basin.
Descent and Historical Exploration
After reaching the highest point, the track descends swiftly to the flats at the base of the range. It then skirts the Ōhau Moraines Wetland for four km until reaching Quailburn Road. Here, you can explore the Quailburn historic site, featuring a woolshed, sheep dip, homestead, and hut ruins from 1866, once part of the extensive Benmore Station.
At Quailburn, you'll also find a DOC campsite and the short Quailburn Track, which leads up the Quail Burn. This track begins at the end of Quailburn Road.
Quailburn can also be accessed from State Highway 8 on Quailburn Road, which also provides access to the Clay Cliffs via Henburn Road.
How to Get There
To access the Tarnbrae Track, take Lake Ōhau Road from State Highway 8 between Omarama and Twizel. Follow the road all the way to the lodge, where you will find the track entrance.
Along the way, check out the Lake Ōhau Track and Lake Middleton. You can also drive north on the road beyond the lodge to the Hopkins Valley.
