Lake Hochstetter
The route to Lake Hochstetter is a well maintained gravel road amidst a network of logging tracks. Although a large area is occupied by pine forest blocks the track mostly winds through native New Zealand bush and is a nice run. There are a couple of small camping spots on the cuff of the Lake Hochstetter.
Photo preview
The below photos take you from the track intersection at Nelson Creek Road through to Lake Hochstetter

Approximately 6.5km up from Nelson Creek Road you will find a turn off to the remains of an old historic dam
Standing on the remains of the dam looking up the outlet of Lake Hochstetter which is named the Nelson Creek Left Branch

The small camping area on the shore of Lake Hochstetter
This is about the extent of the lake access, the majority of the lake shoreline is heavily clad in overhanging bush
Continuing past the lake is an array of logging tracks that eventually come to dead ends.
Vehicle and Track Information
- Access period
- Access is all year, if logging is active (rare and will be well signed) be cautious of logging trucks coming and going
- Access Permission
- No permission is required
- Access Cost
- Access is free
- Grade
- Grade 1
- Terrain
- Gravel roads
- Distance
- 20.56 km (past the lake as shown on the map)
- Timeframe
- Actual riding time one way is approximately 25 to 40 minutes 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
- 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
- There is a small camping area on the cuff of the lake edge
- Toilet facilities
- No toilet facilities along this route or at the lake
- Rubbish disposal
- Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure
Cautions and Safety Information
- Weather cautions
- 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. Unscheduled rain can appear and come down with force, rivers can then rise to impassable levels within minutes. Snow is often a regular occurrence in winter time and can also occur in any season
- Weather report
- Weather report
- Sandflies
- Sandflies can be present in medium numbers, insect repellent is recommended
- Wasps
- Wasps can be present in high numbers towards the end of summer

