Dobson Valley Track

The Dobson Valley Track makes its way up a stunning valley on 34km of 4X4 tracks and riverbed tracks. There are a number of huts to stay at along the way. Permission is required from Glen Lyon Station, details below.

Photo preview

The photos below are in from the start of the track outside the landowners house, up to the end of legal vehicle access at Kennedy Memorial Hut.

Vehicle and Route Information

Access period

The track is open all year but can become impassable due to high river levels and heavy snow

Access Permission

Permission is required from Glen Lyon Station. Contact details are:
Station name: Glen Lyon Station
Contact person: Dianne
Phone: 03 438 9644

Access Cost

Access cost is in the form of a track maintenance donation

Grade

Grade 4. The lower the river flow the easier the track is. If the river flow is high (but still passable) this track requires good river crossing skills. At times where washouts take out portions of the 4X4 track it can mean long sections of rocky boulder work. Be wary of pea gravel or boggy sections, many four wheel drives have become stuck and needed to be recovered by another vehicle

Terrain

A mixture of grassy tracks, gravel tracks and riverbed tracks with medium to large bouldery sections

Distance

34.45 km

Timeframe

Actual riding time one way approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on riding style

GPS - GPX File Downloads

Download track

Download track file to your computer

Download 50 point

Download 50 point GPX file to your computer

Download 250 point

Download 250 point GPX file to your computer

Riverbed routes

Routes over riverbeds may require you to deviate from the supplied GPX file due to floods and washouts that can dramatically change the nature and course of a river and riverbed

GPS disclaimer

The highest level of care and attention has gone into ensure the GPS files are as accurate as possible however please be aware that all GPS files on www.adventureguide.co.nz are made publicly available on the basis of use at your own risk. www.adventureguide.co.nz has no legal responsibility for use or misuse of any GPS files supplied. It is your responsibility to adequately plan, prepare and keep yourself safe

Camping and General Facilities

Camping

Permitted in the DOC area past Glen Lyon Station boundaries

Toilet facilities

Toilet facilities at each of the huts

Rubbish disposal

Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure

Cautions and Safety Information

Rivers

High Country rivers can flood quickly and become very dangerous. It is not recommended to attempt river tracks in heavy rain or at times of medium/heavy snow melt. Often High Country river tracks can be inaccessible from Spring to early Summer. Late autumn and early winter offers more chance of safe access

Falling rocks

Be aware of rock slides and/or rock dislodging. Rock dislodging can occur resulting in small to large boulders hurtling down mountain sides

Weather

The weather can turn very quickly in this area. Both night time and daytime temperatures can plummet without warning, make sure you are well prepared with the correct gear. Snow is often a regular occurrence in winter

Weather report

Weather report

Sandflies

Sandflies can be present in medium numbers, insect repellent is recommended