Lindis Conservation Area
Located in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
This area of high country is possibly New Zealand's best known tussock grassland landscape. It provides recreational opportunities from short walks to challenging mountain-biking and tramping trips.Find things to do and places to stay Lindis Conservation Area
There are three main entrance points to conservation land in this region:
- A car park approximately 11 km along Birchwood Road in the Ahuriri Valley.
- A car park on SH8 at Dalrachney road bridge.
- A car park signposted on the Otago side of Lindis Pass.
Day walkers and overnight trampers need to plan properly and be well equipped. The NZTopo50 map sheet CA14 Lindis Pass is recommended.
Lindis Conservation Area map (PDF, 316K)
Weather
In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Make sure you carry plenty of water and have adequate protection against the sun. Alpine conditions may be experienced at any time of the year, with the higher country subject to snow and ice during the winter months.
Ensure you carry warm and waterproof clothing and wear sturdy boots. Be prepared.
Public access easements
There are public access easements crossing through several working high-country stations. Always respect the landowner’s livestock and property; stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
For your safety
River crossing: Treat all rivers and streams with respect. Be aware of recent weather conditions. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.
Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all public conservation land. Check with local information centres or DOC for the current fire status.
Communications: Cell phone coverage cannot be relied upon in this region. The use of satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons can all provide increased personal safety.
Hunting
Hunting is confined to public conservation land. As Longslip, Breast Hill and Dalrachney stations border this land it is important that hunters confirm the status of the area in which they intend to hunt. Hunters need to obtain a hunting permit from the local DOC office. Hunting in Twizel Te Manahuna area.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.
If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:
- Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
- Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
- Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
Snow tussock grassland dominates the landscape. Longslip Mountain (1494 metres) has one of the most extensive sites of the buttercup ranunculus haastii in the Mackenzie Basin.
This area of high country provides a stunning visual backdrop for motorists travelling over Lindis Pass, possibly New Zealand's best known tussock grassland landscape.
Wildlife
The high alpine ridges, rock bluffs, screes and snow-tussock grasslands host the New Zealand falcon/kārearea, New Zealand pipit/pihoihoi and spotted skink while lower altitude shrublands and beech forests provide habitat for fantail/pīwakawaka, grey warbler/riroriro and rifleman/tītitipounamu.
Contacts
| Wānaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre |
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| Phone | +64 3 443 7660 |
| wanakavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Ballantyne Road Wānaka 9305 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |