Image: DOC
Rock Peak, Pisa Conservation Area
Pisa Conservation Area

Located in the Otago region

The Pisa Conservation Area is 23,000 ha of stunning high country overlooking the Upper Clutha and Wakatipu basins, and beyond to the Southern Alps/Ka Tiritiri o te Moana.

There are several public entry points to the Pisa Conservation Area, described on the track pages for this area.

If accessing via Paddys Ridge Road/Waiorau Nordic Road, there is a locked gate at the bottom of the road. To get the gate code follow the website link/QR code posted at the gate. There is a $20 road toll payment required. See Pisa Range Road Access to get the gate code online and pay. 

If accessing via:

Snow Farm trails

  • Purchase a $10 Backcountry Access Pass per person per day or buy a season pass. Available from the Snow Farm ticketing office or buy online.

SHPG Legal easement

  • Go to security gate on arrival. Pay a $20 road toll, then be escorted through the SHPG grounds. For more information contact: admin@shpg.co.nz or call +64 3 443 0344

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.

The Pisa Range is the highest of Central Otago's fault block mountains and consists of very distinctive landforms and ecological systems. 

Along the tops, remnants of the Criffel diggings; reputed to be the highest gold diggings in Otago, reveal hand dug water races, tailings and outlines of former miner’s dwellings.