Darts Bush Stream track starts off Glen Lyon Road on the western outskirts of Twizel. There is a designated car park area that is well signposted. Follow the poled 4WD tracks until just before Pyramid Hill, where a track leads straight to the saddle. Please keep to the poled route rather than taking the private 4WD track. After descending from Pyramid Saddle, continue across the flats, cross Darts Bush Stream and then follow an easement through private farm land to Rhoborough Downs Road. Turn right and walk past Waterwheel Wetlands and along the canal road back to the car park.

This is also a popular mountain bike circuit so care is needed on the steeper sections – watch out for fast-moving descending bikers.

Getting there

The Mackenzie Basin is situated in the centre of New Zealand's South Island. It features mountains, lakes, rivers, beech forest remnants and rolling tussock country.

All of the walking tracks described here are easy to access from main roads, and offer fantastic views of the Mackenzie high country.

Some of these walks include easements through private farmland. Please respect the landowners’ rights by keeping to the marked easements. These are well-signposted and marked by orange poles. Please ensure all public access gates for walkers are closed.