Eight Mile Track
Tutaki West Conservation Area
Eight Mile Track is a short walk to an earthquake-dammed lake, in the Matakitaki Valley south of Murchison.
| Details | |
| Distances | 3.3 km return |
| Time Required | 2 hr return |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking |
| Start Elevation | 270 m |
| Max Elevation | 440 m |
Eight Mile Track does not connect to any other tracks.
15 min from Murchison
Eight Mile Track is located 12 km south of Murchison along Matakitaki Rd. There is a small parking bay on the left side of the road and a green DOC sign indicating the track start.
The track heads through lush native forest on the true right of Eight Mile Creek, climbing gradually up the valley. Once at the lake, it follows the eastern edge. The lake can be seen through the trees on the lake edge, but there are no easily-accessible viewpoints that allow it to be viewed in its entirety. The lake is home to endemic waterfowl, including New Zealand scaup and paradise duck. The track ends at the southern end of the lake. Return the way you came.
Eight Mile Track is located within Tutaki West Conservation Area.
Eight Mile Track does not connect to any other tracks.