Walks

Walks on the Rock and Pillar Range

Access to the Rock and Pillar range are described in detail on DOC's Rock and Pillar Range access page. Details include how to get there, time to get to the Conservation area boundary and a number of landmarks. Download the brochure: "Rambling in the Rock and Pillar Range" for further details, 578KB.

There are two huts on the Rock and Pillar Range: Big Hut and Leaning Lodge:

• Big Hut website

• Leaning Lodge

Otago Central Rail Trail

This trail was developed not only for cycling but also for walking.

• Otago Central Rail Trail website

Sutton Salt Lake

Sutton Salt Lake is located on the southern edge of the Strath Taieri valley, nestled amongst tors, grassland and tussock. It is New Zealand's only salt or saline lake and with no water flowing in or out, it is entirely filled by rainwater. The lake evaporates in dry periods.

• Extract of very readable scientific paper on "Water and sediment chemistry of Sutton Salt Lake, East Otago, New Zealand" by D Craw & S Beckett, 2004.
• Complete paper of above, PDF, 2.2 MB

Now a scenic reserve of about 150 hectares administered by DOC, Sutton Salt Lake contains wildlife adapted to the salty conditions.

The most interesting aspect of the area are the schist tors scattered across the landscape. These fascinating shapes are the result of erosion, the harder pieces of schist resisting weathering.

Access	Turn off SH 87 near the Sutton railway crossing. Turn west up Kidd Rd
Distance	4.0 km loop track
Duration	1.0 hours
Level	Easy

 

• Sutton Salt Lake track description from New Zealand Tramper
• A family-friendly 6-page description with map, many photos and sensible advice for this one-hour walk 2.5MB
• This is a description from the Otago Daily Times' Drive South section
• "Salt lake grass study earns teen award"