The track is popular with mountain bikers given the distance involved and the fact there are no huts along the route. It's also good for long distance runners. Trampers could do the track but would require a pick up at the exit point along SH8 south of Lindis Pass.

From the Avon Burn valley it is a climb to the highest point of the track on Mt Melina (1,500 m) and then a steady descent on the other side to Smiths Creek.

Melina Ridge Track on the south side of Mt Melina, Hawea Conservation Park

Mt Prospect Track (side trip)

Track category: Tramping track
Distance: 9 km one way

Mountain biking: Grade 4

This track branches off the Melina Ridge Track and climbs to the top of Mt Prospect (1,770 m above sea level) before descending into the Timaru River valley. Bikers must return the same way. Trampers can carry on along the Timaru River Track.

It is generally better to start this mountain bike track from the Avon Burn car park along Birchwood Road and exit on SH8 south of Lindis Pass. This provides an easier gradient for cycling up Mt Melina and then a steep zig zag descent into Lindis River valley.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. It is 11 km down Birchwood Road to the start of the track at Avon Burn carpark.

Map: NZTopo50 CA14 Lindis Pass

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land. There is no camping until the conservation area boundary.

Respect the landowner's livestock and property: 

• stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
• leave gates as you find them
• use stiles where provided
• keep your distance from livestock.

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:

1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.