Sawpit Gully Track / Arrow River Trail / Motatapu Track — Attraction in South Island

The start of Sawpit Gully Track is not very easy to find and not very well signposted however having found it, it was so worth it. I started the Arrow River Trail clockwise and was a few kilometres in when I started doubting myself. Thankfully, a very friendly local came along who assured me that I was doing the right thing and even walked with me for a while to make sure I took the next turning (on to the Sawpit Gully Track) correctly. Being a good 30 years younger than me, I could see I was holding him up so suggested he went on without me– which he did. However, I came across him again at the highest point as he was chatting with another local. He then walked with me again which I am so grateful for because there are one or two parts where the path dives into the undergrowth and I might well have missed them. Again I let him go once he assured me that it was all straightforward from there on – which it was. There’s a fine balance between leaving a trail as natural as possible and over developing it so it becomes like a boardwalk. On reflection, I think the people that maintain this trail could probably just make one or two of the critical changes better signposted. I’m not talking about big flashing neon signs but simple wooden signs would suffice. In terms of fitness levels required, I’d say you probably need to be at least a 6 or 7 to be...

2 ways to do the Sawpit Gully track -

if you go in a clockwise loop, you start at the scenic part. Go along the small stream and it’s a pleasant walk till you reach the bridge (take the right fork) and then it’s uphill (with shelter from trees most of the time) all the way till the hilltop where u can get a nice view of Lake Hayes. Afterwards the track slopes down and narrows on a more exposed path , back to arrowtown.

If you go anticlockwise, you start on a shaded path along a water pipe basically going uphill, passing a small waterfall with the uphill stretch pretty rocky at some parts and on exposed terrain with no shade, before reaching the hilltop and enjoying the scenic path till the end.

At the hilltop u can choose to hike all the way up an offshoot path leading up to the top of another hill.

Supposedly a 3 hr loop but I did it in 2hr15min for the clockwise route, it was a pleasant walk with no mosquitoes...

We did the counter-clockwise hike, and it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes. We had a few stops for things like photos, catching our breath, and taking it steady. It is steep as! This is definitely an advanced hike. I am average fitness, and it was a challenge. But you got this. If I can do it and come out the other side, you can as well. Do not feel pressured to rush this hike as the roads and paths are uneven, steep, slippery, and narrow. Lovely views at the top! Bring a headlamp of you plan on doing this in the late afternoon in the...