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
Track Notes
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.
Hi there, if I only have time to do a small section of the track for some views of the lake, is it better to start at the north end going clockwise, or the other way around? Thanks!
Hi Lilian. That’s a good question. You’d get goodish views early on in both directions. If you had a couple of hours you should probably go south up towards Ben Ohau – at around 1130m and the last switchback there are clear views north-west and south over the lake. If you take the drive over towards Lake Ohau Village then the are quite good views up the lake from the road side. No need for walking at all with this option!
Thanks Edward, we tried going south up Ben Ohau but a herd of cows blocked our path and kept coming closer to us as we followed the 4WD track! So in the end we headed to the other start point and walked in for about an hour and still got great views. Thanks for your tips!
My gosh! A gang of cows. I certainly didn’t have that problem! 😄