Ben Ohau Range

Rising abruptly from the braided rivers of the Mackenzie Basin, the Ben Ohau Range is a dramatic spine of greywacke peaks that separates the turquoise expanse of Lake Pukaki from the wide-open tussock lands of the Ahuriri Valley. This is classic high-country New Zealand, where the air smells of thyme and dry grass, and the only sounds are the wind and the occasional cry of a hawk. For travellers on the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the range is a constant, photogenic companion; for those who step onto its trails, it offers a raw, unpolished wilderness experience that feels a world away from the tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Ben Ohau Station Walkway: An easy, family-friendly loop through a working high-country station, with lake and mountain views, historic shearing sheds, and a chance to spot merino sheep up close.
• Lake Pukaki Viewpoints: The range's eastern flanks provide the classic postcard perspective of Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in the milky-blue lake; pull over at the Peter's Lookout or the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre.
• Twizel River Track: A lesser-known route that follows the braided riverbed at the range's southern end, offering solitude and expansive views of the Ben Ohau peaks.
• Ohau Ski Field: A small, club-run ski area on the western side of the range, beloved by locals for its uncrowded slopes and stunning alpine scenery (winter only).
• Dark Sky Stargazing: Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the skies above Ben Ohau are among the darkest in the world; pull over anywhere for an unforgettable southern-hemisphere night sky.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors experience the Ben Ohau Range as a scenic drive-by, but to truly appreciate its rugged character, allow a half-day for one of the short walks or a full day if you plan to tackle a longer tramp like the Ben Ohau Ridge. The range is best enjoyed as a stop en route between Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, or as a relaxing afternoon escape from the crowds at Lake Tekapo.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – just 45 minutes north, with the iconic Hooker Valley Track and glacier views.
• Lake Tekapo – famous for its Church of the Good Shepherd, hot pools, and stellar stargazing tours.
• Twizel – a friendly service town with great salmon farms, cycling trails, and access to the Ahuriri Valley.
• Omarama – a gliding hotspot with the Clay Cliffs and the Ahuriri River conservation area.
• Lindis Pass – a dramatic alpine road connecting the Mackenzie Basin to Central Otago.

Please check official sources for current details.