Greta Track & Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park, Canterbury NZ

Great views of Lake Ohau and surrounding mountains on the Greta Track, with a short side trip to the summit of Ben Ohau (1522m).

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park

Despite following a vehicle track almost the whole way, the Greta Track still makes for a satisfying walk. It gets up the mountain quickly, with a short off-track diversion to visit the summit of Ben Ohau (1522m). The views of scenic Lake Ohau and surrounding peaks are excellent. Completing the circuit takes you at first through attractive tussock country, (although wilding pines are making inroads). The track eventually drops down to Gretas Stream, and follows this most of the way to the lake.

Track notes at the end.

Greta Track & Ben Ohau: The Scenery

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Looking south-west over Lake Ohau.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Looking south-west over Lake Ohau.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Lake Ohau and surrounding peaks.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The northern end of Lake Ohau from the summit of Ben Ohau (1522m).

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The northern end of Lake Ohau. Very blue in the sun.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Looking south over Lake Ohau.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The Hopkins River feeding into Lake Ohau. I liked the dark clouds congregating in this area.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The Hopkins River feeding into Lake Ohau.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Looking east over rolling hills of tussock.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — At the saddle after the short side trip to the summit of Ben Ohau.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Beginning our descent.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Views of Twizel, Ohau Canal, Ohau River and Lake Ruataniwha.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The route back was along Gretas Stream, winding it’s way towards the lake in the centre of this photo.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Attractive tussock country. The dark spots are wilding pines which looked to be spreading fast.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The track joins Gretas Stream for the return leg.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — An interesting cocoon.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Gretas Stream

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — There were a couple of landslips over the track. I wonder how farmers manage to maintain their farm tracks given events like this.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — The Gretas Stream.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Looking back up at our route up Ben Ohau from near the road on our way back.

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Ruataniwha Conservation Park — Descending back to the lake. It’s a short walk along the road to complete the loop.

Track Notes

Greta Track and Ben Ohau, Lake Ohau — The Greta Track follows an old vehicle track the whole way, albeit with a couple of land slips and stream crossings. The side trip to the summit is off track but obvious. There’s a short walk along the road to get back to your car.

The Greta Track follows an old vehicle track the whole way, albeit with a couple of land slips and stream crossings. The side trip to the summit is off track but obvious. There’s a short walk along the road to get back to your car.

More information on the DOC website.

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Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker. View all posts by Edward Hathway

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