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Ashburton
21 km
9 hours
900 metres
If you’re looking for a slice of the "real" New Zealand—the one with vast, golden tussock plains, jagged mountain backdrops, and the kind of silence you can only find in the deep high country—then the Potts River Track is calling your name. Located in the heart of the Hakatere Conservation Park near Ashburton, this trail is a rugged, soul-stirring journey that takes you into the wild interior of the Canterbury region.
This isn’t your average Sunday stroll. Spanning 21 kilometres (one-way) and taking around 9 hours to complete, the trek from the Potts River Car Park to the historic Potts Hut is classified as an advanced tramping track. It’s a segment of the legendary Te Araroa Trail, meaning you’ll be walking in the footsteps of those traversing the entire length of the country. Whether you’re a seasoned local looking for a weekend mission or a tourist wanting to experience the scale of the Southern Alps, this track delivers a true sense of isolation and adventure.
Stepping onto the Potts River Track, you are immediately struck by the sheer scale of the landscape. The trail begins at the Potts River car park on Hakatere Potts Road, and within minutes, the modern world feels like a distant memory. The terrain is classic Canterbury high country: wide river terraces, steep scree slopes, and expansive flats covered in waving chionochloa (tussock).
The journey follows the Potts River, but don't expect a manicured gravel path. This is a tramping track in every sense of the word. You’ll be navigating old farm tracks, sidling along river terraces, and picking your way through open country where the "trail" is sometimes more of a suggestion than a certainty. With an elevation gain of roughly 900 metres, your legs will certainly feel the burn, particularly as you negotiate the undulating terraces that rise and fall alongside the water.
The experience of walking this trail is one of profound solitude. Because of its "hard" difficulty rating and the 9-hour duration, you won't find the crowds here that you might encounter at nearby Mount Sunday. Instead, it’s just you, the wind whistling through the tussock, and the occasional cry of a bird. For those who want to bring their four-legged companions, you’re in luck—this track is dog-friendly, though your dog must be kept under control to protect the local wildlife. However, due to the distance, elevation, and river crossings, this isn't a walk for the kids; it’s a serious undertaking that requires fitness and experience.
Parking is available at the Potts River car park, located on Hakatere Potts Road. This car park is approximately 40 kilometres west of Mount Somers. To reach it, leave Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, which eventually becomes Hakatere Potts Road.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
40km away
A historic, vibrant pub in the heart of Methven, offering a unique atmosphere, reasonably priced bistro-style meals, and often featuring live music. It's a great spot for a hearty post-hike meal with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.
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Out and back
As you push deeper into the valley, the mountains of the Dogs Range loom larger, their peaks often dusted with snow well into the spring. The final destination, Potts Hut, is a sight for sore eyes—a rustic, historic shelter that offers a place to rest your head and soak in the magnificent high-country atmosphere.
The undeniable star of the show is the dramatic alpine scenery. The Hakatere region is world-renowned for its "Lord of the Rings" vibes, and as you walk the Potts River Track, you’ll see why. The 360-degree views of the Ashburton Lakes area and the surrounding ranges are nothing short of breathtaking.
A major highlight for history buffs is Potts Hut itself. Originally built before 1899, this basic, historic hut has been a refuge for musterers and trampers for over a century. It’s a classic piece of New Zealand’s pastoral heritage, standing as a testament to the hardy souls who worked this rugged land long before it became a conservation park.
For those with a bit of extra energy, the wider area offers the chance to explore towards Mystery Lake or the Dogs Range, though these are usually part of longer, multi-day excursions. Even if you stick to the main track, the ever-changing perspective of the Potts River—from rushing blue water to wide, braided shingle beds—provides endless photo opportunities.
To find the trailhead, you’ll need to head into the Ashburton high country. The Potts River car park is located on Hakatere Potts Road, about 40 kilometres west of the small township of Mount Somers.
If you’re coming from Christchurch or Ashburton, make your way to Mount Somers first. From there, follow Ashburton Gorge Road, which eventually transitions into Hakatere Potts Road. The drive itself is a highlight, passing by the stunning Ashburton Lakes (including Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater). The car park is well-signed, but keep an eye out as the road can be dusty and gravelled in sections.
The high country is a haven for native New Zealand birdlife, and the Potts River Track offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled for the New Zealand Pipit (pihoihoi), which is commonly seen darting along the ground on the open tracks year-round. You’ll also likely see the Australasian Harrier (kāhu) soaring effortlessly on the thermals above the valley, hunting for prey.
In the more bush-clad pockets or near the river, you might hear the melodic chime of the Bellbird (korimako) or see the cheeky Fantail (pīwakawaka) following you to catch the insects stirred up by your boots. If you are very lucky—and perhaps a bit further up the valley—you might even hear the distinct, raucous call of the Kea, New Zealand’s famous mountain parrot.
Down on the riverbeds during spring and summer, keep a lookout for the Wrybill (ngutu pare) or the Black-billed Gull. Both are rare and use the braided river systems for nesting, so please be careful where you step if you venture near the water's edge during these months.
The Hakatere Conservation Park covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, forest, and tussock lands. This area holds significant cultural value to Ngāi Tahu, who historically used the region as a mahinga kai (resource gathering) area and a seasonal travel route between the east and west coasts.
The colonial history of the area is rooted in large-scale pastoral farming. The Potts River area was part of the original massive runs where sheep were mustered across thousands of acres of unfenced wilderness. The preservation of Potts Hut allows us to peek back into that era of isolation and grit. Today, the area is a vital part of New Zealand’s conservation efforts, protecting the unique biodiversity of the braided river systems and the dryland ecosystems of the interior.
After 21 kilometres of high-country tramping, you’re going to be hungry. Head back towards Methven (about 40km from the car park) to refuel.
For a hearty, post-hike meal, The Blue Pub is an absolute icon. It’s a vibrant, historic spot in the centre of Methven with a great bistro menu (the burgers and steaks are legendary) and a fantastic atmosphere. Just across the road is The Brown Pub, which offers a cosy, classic country pub feel and a great beer garden if the sun is still out.
If you’re finishing earlier in the day or heading out the next morning, Cafe Primo e Secundo is a must-visit. Its quirky, retro-vintage decor and famous bacon-and-egg sandwiches are exactly what a tired tramper needs. Alternatively, stop by the Topp Country Café. Owned by Lynda Topp (one half of the famous Topp Twins), it’s known for its incredible pies and welcoming, family-friendly vibe—perfect for a celebratory brunch before the drive home.
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Larus bulleri
The world's rarest gull species, endemic to New Zealand's braided rivers, often nesting on stony islands.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
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
40km away
Located centrally in Methven, this country pub offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a family restaurant serving classic Kiwi favourites like steak, burgers, and fish and chips. It boasts a cosy pub ambience and a large beer garden.
40km away
An eclectic and quirky cafe in Methven, famous for its retro-vintage decor, legendary bacon-and-egg sandwiches, excellent coffee, and a long-standing tomato & silverbeet soup. It's a charming spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
40km away
Run by Lynda Topp of the beloved Topp Twins, this cafe is a must-visit for breakfast or brunch. It offers a fabulous selection of freshly baked pastries, hearty meals, and famous pies, with a welcoming atmosphere and a play area for kids.