Otamatapaio hut
lake Benmore, Otago
This is a nice wee hut in the Hawkdun Range near Omarama. you get to the start from backyards road which comes off the Omarama Otematata Road (State highway 83). The cycle is a little hard in places but good gear test for some harder rides.
At the start there is a 5km 4wd section you can drive, all you really need is ground clearance since there is no rivers or steep sections on the 4wd part. Although in wet weather it might be a different story. from the end of the 4wd track its 10km to the hut.
There is a car park at the end of the 4wd track.
the 4wd track is worth cycling as there are some nice spots to stop and enjoy the view.
From the end of the 4wd section it gets a little rocky, nothing to stop you cycling it but would be a bit average on a gravel bike without suspension. After the rocky bit its a farm track with some interesting huts on the way.
Once the farm track runs out at the end of the easement it gets rugged. There are a couple little rivers to cross but the river bed cycling is hard due to the rocks and lack of track. I carried my bike over these parts but you can push it or even cycle if your skilled enough. this section is only a few km but seems longer due to the slow going. There is a nice bit before the hut which is fun to cycle.
Once at the hut (940meters) the track ends but you can explore further on foot.
The Hut is modern with a log burner but not much in the way of wood near by. There is plenty of camping area near the hut for those wishing to stay in a tent.
The ride back is the same way as you came in.
Its only 15km but takes a little while due to the river sections. I cycled all of it (in and out) in about 4 hours with out the hindrance of panniers. Most of it was going to the hut as its up hill gradually all the way.
I would not suggest a gravel bike or trailer for this route but if you were game enough you could use them. Panniers or bike packing bags would be the best.
There are a lot of thorns on the track as well so glue in the inner tubes or tubeless would be suggested. I didn’t and had 2 punctures.
All in all a nice back country hut cycle with exploring opportunities from the hut. I came across deer and pigs on the track.
The DOC page for this hut is
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