During a stay in Twizel Aoraki Mt Cook National Park had fairly average weather for a couple of days, so I looked further afield for some day walks. The Dromedary Hill Track was one of these walks, and although it isn’t the most spectacular, we didn’t meet anybody all day, and the views from up high were very good. Initial walking is through paddocks, then it’s mostly tussock grass and other alpine and subalpine vegetation. I imagine it would make a good winter walk with some snow on the tops.
There’s a 5km approach through farmland, but you can knock that over in about an hour. Then it’s up 900 vertical metres in the Lindis Conservation Area to the summit, which sits at the end of a rising ridge. Almost all of the walking is on a vehicle track, so it’s never too challenging. Track notes at the end.
Dromedary Hill Track: The Scenery
Track Notes
The track starts just before the Dalrachney Road Bridge if travelling from Omarama to the north. There is a rest area on the other side of the bridge where we parked our car, although there’s enough room to park near the track head.
The route is initially on vehicle track through farmland for 5km – sounds like a lot but it’s quite flat and you’ll move quickly. There are three shallow but slightly wide stream crossings and so you might get wet feet; (gaiters and boots will probably keep you dry, and walking poles always help for stability on stepping stones).
It’s then into the Lindis Conservation Area and a steepish climb to the ridge. At the ridge you’ll want to jump the fence to stay on the vehicle track until near the summit, when you’ll have to jump a fence or two again to get to the summit. There’s more information on the DOC website.
