Hakataramea Pass Review Nov25 | Track of Two Halves?

Intro
This is day 7 part 2 the Hakataramea Pass Track, of my 2025 Nov South Island Adventure trip

Also check out Part 1 the early morning Danseys pass review. A quick link to this review will be added to the end of this posting.

I will put in the description the summary of the track details covered in this review

So lets get started with this review of the Hakataramea which is a track. One of the reasons for this track was there were other off shoots I wanted to check out for future rides such as the exit or entry point into the Mackenize Pass. On this specific day however I really wanted for lunch a pie at the Farilie Bakery https://www.fairliebakehouse.co.nz/
Got to try the Pork and Apple Pie.

The Weather
The weather was perfect. While hot for November the sky was light overcast cloud with some patches of blue sky and sunshine. The wind was minimal for the majority of the track

Like so many high-country basins in New Zealand, the Hakataramea Valley experiences extremes in weather. During the winter months it is common for temperatures to drop as low as -10°C and during summer to climb as high as 35°C

Time of the Day
Early afternoon

How to get there
From the Danesys Head northwest on State Hwy 83 to Kurow, then turn right onto Hakataramea Hwy/State Hwy 82. This is about 40 to 50 Minutes and 42kms.

History
Māori Routes: The valley served as a traditional Māori pathway, though specific details are less documented than major passes like Haast.

European Arrival (1860s): Large pastoral runs were established by the NZ & Australia Land Company, transitioning the area from open country to freehold farms starting in 1878.

Farming Focus: The valley became known for dryland sheep and beef farming, a tradition that continues alongside cropping and deer farming, despite challenging conditions.

Road/Rail Bridge (1881): A crucial link opened in 1881, connecting Kurow and Hakataramea across the Waitaki River, facilitating transport and settlement.



Track type (e.g. Dirt, Gravel, Sandy)
Good Gravel mostly graded first half and little more bumpy second half. on this day. .

Difficulty rating overall
Tail of two halves for me. Getting there was a little boring. The first half is long straight, flat boring unsealed road running through farm station and alongside stream. Second half however was excellent, undulating terrain, more tussock and mountain ranges and great views.

Suggest is beginner but there is a case for intermediate especially if wet where I have heard the track can get slippery but it wasn’t on this fine day

Water Crossing are second half are simple streams. Signage up to some crossing is not great so need to be prepared to stop if travelling at pace as you can get a surprise. Respect signs that have question marks.

Distance and Time
40.6km Expect it to take about 50 to 60 minutes

Elevation details
Generally around 960 meters (about 3,150 feet), with surrounding ridge crests in the Hunters Hills reaching 1000 to 1250 meters

Key Scenic Call Outs (e.g. Waterfalls, Geology, historic sights, bridges, lakes, rivers)
The upper catchment of the Hakataramea River is a relatively unmodified environment of native tussock and shrub vegetation connected to subalpine and alpine habitats.

This can lead into other good rides including Black Forest Station although permission to access this track required with land owner. There is accommodation in Black Forest Station via https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/listi... and would be a good start to find out what is required to get access to the track.

At Haldron Road it is less than 1km to turn off onto Mackenzie Pass another track on my to ride list

Any place you can camp
Black Forest Station

Traffic
Was light on this day

Gates
Thought there was a gate. I said there was one but upon checking my ride I saw there wasn't post production.

Any access permission required and who to contact
None