Potts River Track - Potts River Car Park to Buicks Bridge Car Park

Point to point

The river crossings are the defining feature of this section. The Potts River is a classic braided system, and while it can be a gentle trickle in the height of summer, it can turn into a dangerous torrent after rain. You must be prepared to assess the water levels and, if the river is high or discoloured, be ready to take the alternative route along the gully’s side or turn back. It’s this unpredictability that makes the track so engaging for experienced trampers.

Highlights & Must-See Features - The Mt Guy Saddle Views: Reaching the saddle provides one of the best 360-degree panoramas in the Ashburton Lakes area. Looking back toward the lakes and forward toward the Southern Alps, you get a true sense of the scale of the Canterbury Plains and the mountains that feed them. - The Braided Potts River: There is a unique beauty to New Zealand’s braided rivers that you won't find in many other places on Earth. The grey silt, the crystal-clear turquoise water, and the vast gravel flats are mesmerising. - High Country Tarns: The small, alpine ponds (tarns) along the route act as natural mirrors, reflecting the surrounding peaks on a still day—perfect for those looking to capture the "perfect shot." - Te Araroa Connection: There is a certain "mana" or prestige in walking a section of the Te Araroa Trail. You’ll likely meet "thru-hikers" along the way, each with a story to tell about their journey across Aotearoa.

Getting There This is a point-to-point track, so logistics require a bit of planning. You’ll either need two cars (dropping one at each end) or a very helpful friend to pick you up.

• Potts River Car Park: Located on Hakatere Potts Road, about 40 kilometres west of Mount Somers. From Mount Somers, follow Ashburton Gorge Road, which eventually transitions into Hakatere Potts Road. It’s a scenic drive in its own right, but be prepared for unsealed sections.
• Buicks Bridge Car Park: This is situated 4 kilometres along Hakatere Heron Road from the Hakatere junction. This end is roughly 50 minutes inland from Ashburton.

Important Note: Do not rely on your phone for navigation once you leave the main highway. Cellular coverage is virtually non-existent at both trailheads and for much of the track. Download your maps for offline use before you leave home!

Wildlife Spotting The Hakatere area is a haven for native birdlife, particularly those that have adapted to the harsh braided river environments. Keep your binoculars handy for: - Wrybill (Ngutu Pare): Look for these in the spring and summer on the riverbeds. They are the only bird in the world with a beak that curves to the side—specifically to the right—to help them find insects under river stones. - Black-fronted Tern (Tarapiroe): These elegant, grey birds are common in spring and summer. You’ll often see them swooping low over the water. - New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi): Often seen darting along the ground in the tussock areas year-round. They have a distinctive "tail-wagging" motion. - Australasian Harrier (Kāhu): You’ll almost certainly see these large birds of prey soaring high above the terraces, hunting for small mammals or lizards.

Tip: If you see birds nesting on the riverbed (especially in spring), please give them a very wide berth. Their eggs are perfectly camouflaged against the stones and are incredibly easy to step on.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The Potts River Track is technically open year-round, but each season offers a very different experience: - Spring: The river is often at its highest due to snowmelt, making crossings more challenging. However, the birdlife is at its peak. - Summer: The most popular time, offering long daylight hours. However, the track is highly exposed with almost no shade. The Canterbury sun is fierce—pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and at least 2-3 litres of water. - Autumn: Often provides the most stable weather. The golden light on the tussock during the "golden hour" is a photographer's dream. - Winter: Only for the very well-prepared. Expect snow on the saddle and freezing water in the river crossings. The days are short, so an early start is essential.

• Start Early: With a 7-hour estimated time, aim to be on the trail by 8:30 AM to ensure you have plenty of buffer before sunset.
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof tramping boots are a must. Your feet will likely get wet during river crossings, so wear woollen socks that stay warm even when damp.
• Weather Watch: The "Nor’west" wind in Canterbury can be brutal. Check the mountain forecast specifically for Hakatere Conservation Park before heading out. If high winds or heavy rain are forecast, save this walk for another day.
• Dogs: Your four-legged friends are welcome, but they must be kept under control. Note that dogs are strictly prohibited on the shores of nearby Lake Clearwater to protect nesting birds, so stick strictly to the track.

Local & Regional Context The Hakatere Conservation Park covers nearly 70,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, beech forest, and sparkling lakes. This area is culturally significant to Ngāi Tahu, who traditionally used the region for seasonal food gathering (mahinga kai) and as a pathway through the Alps.

The landscape itself tells a story of the last ice age. The wide U-shaped valleys and the terraces you walk upon were carved by massive glaciers thousands of years ago. Today, the area is a stronghold for high-country farming history, but it is increasingly valued for its conservation status and its role as a recreational playground for those who love the "wild" side of New Zealand.

After the Walk After seven hours in the elements, you’ll likely be craving a cold drink and a warm meal. The best spot in the area is Mt Potts Lodge, located just 3km from the Potts River trailhead.

The Lodge is a classic high-country establishment. It’s incredibly welcoming to hikers and horse trekkers alike. Their cafe serves up hearty, "home-style" meals that are exactly what you need after burning those calories on the trail. Whether it's a big burger or a piece of homemade cake, the atmosphere here—surrounded by the very mountains you just traversed—is the perfect way to cap off your Ashburton adventure.

Wrybill (Ngutuparore)

Anarhynchus frontalis

The only bird in the world with a beak that is bent sideways, always to the right, a unique adaptation for feeding in braided rivers.

Best time: Spring-Summer