Last Updated: 23rd Mar 2025
Ben Ohau Loop
Submitted by Jake Trinder
Last Updated: 23rd Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 35 ?
Gnarl Factor: 28 ?
17.4km
960m
960m
1403m
Last Updated: 23rd Mar 2025
Submitted by Jake Trinder
Last Updated: 23rd Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 35 ?
Gnarl Factor: 28 ?
17.4km
960m
960m
1403m
Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Dog Friendly
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%
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3:30
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Starting from Greta Hut, follow the gravel road back towards Twizel for 600 metres. Take a left into the car park for the Ben Ohau Summit. Follow the well marked track, through the switchbacks to the summit of Ben Ohau. Continue past the summit until you reach a junction at around 9.5km. Take the left, downhill trail. Follow this trail all the way down back to the lake and Greta Hut.
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Plenty of off road parking around the front of the hut. No public transport as remote start point.
26 km
34 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Make sure at the 9.5km mark you take the left, downhill turn. This turn takes you down Greta Stream which lead back to Greta Hut.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Only points for water are rain water at the hut and a few fresh streams to drink from after the 11 km mark.
Will be covered in snow during winter. Some sections of the track are very exposed and the wind can be very strong. Track down Greta stream can be very boggy and wet after rain.
MOW Bar
Twizel
Good Pub food; wings, burgers, craft beers etc.
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Awesome loop with great variety. Highly recommend veering off to the summit from the saddle near pt 1387 - there’s a well worn trail only 500m long and the views are exceptional!
April 4, 2023
Magnificent loop on a fine day! A tough 6km slog to the top but very satisfying from there. The trail links with other options before gently descending a river valley (a few water refill options before you get too low) If you look for, you should find the hard right at 15.5km down to the stream before a small final ascent to a farm gate. Follow the farm track back to the road.
October 17, 2022
I put the GPx file on my watch to avoid the confusion, thank you. But other than that bit discussed before, it's straightforward. I did a wee divert to Ben Ohau peak. Go from the saddle as a track has been worn that way. About 1km to the top. Very windy when I went, but great views and photo op with the rocks!
January 2, 2022
It’s a stunning track. The first 5 and a bit Kim’s we’re tough for me but the views were amazing.
The rest was pretty plain sailing with a few deep river crossings.
Will go back for sure.
November 2, 2021
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