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Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel

Ride the lower reaches of Lake Pukaki, and across the Pukaki Flats.

Section 2: Braemar Road to Twizel

 DistanceFitnessSkillTrafficGrade
 40kmEasyEasyLow2

The Trail continues along Hayman Road, a quiet country road following the eastern shore of Lake Pukaki, passing the Tekapo B power station (18km).

Riders will enjoy outstanding vistas across Lake Pukaki towards the Southern Alps. A wide range of native plants grow along the lake edge including kowhai and flax, as well as exotic species such as larch and pines.

The off-road Trail starts at the bottom of Hayman Road (23km) and follows the Lake Pukaki shoreline. With Aoraki/Mt Cook as a backdrop, the Trail passes over the Pukaki dam, taking you to the car park at Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre (31km).

You then cross the highway and follow the Trail across Pukaki Flats – an expansive area of dry grasslands that are characteristic of the Mackenzie landscape.

This takes you to the town of Twizel. Take care crossing State Highway 8.

  • Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mt Cook Views
  • Links with Te Araroa Trail
  • Pukaki Flats
  • Ruatanewha Conservation Park
  • Scenic Flights available from and Pukaki (Twizel) Airport
  • Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Stargazing
  • Waitaki Hydro electric Power Scheme
    • Tekapo B Power Station
    • Pukaki Dam & Spillway
  • Mountain Bike Trails
    • Pukaki Kettle Holes
  • Dusky Trail
  • Twizel River Trail
  • Baikie Hut
  • Darts Bush Stream
  • Mountains
    • Southern Alps
    • Benmore Range
    • Ben Ohau Range

  • Hayman Road - this gravel road can be corrugated and often used by logging trucks which makes it challenging to ride safely. Please keep left, ride single file and wear high vis clothing.
  • High winds – this section of Trail is exposed to strong and gusty winds. Be extremely careful in exposed areas, especially crossing bridges. Consider dismounting.
  • There are sections of this Trail close to cliffs and drop offs. Take care in these parts.
  • Vehicles - take care and be alert for vehicles crossing the section of Trail around the south end of Lake Pukaki.
  • Overflow weir – this is signposted 2km from the Pukaki Visitor Centre. Do not stop or camp in between the signs.

Section 2 map

Trail route

Trail surfaces

Gallery

Trail sponsor