Ben Ohau, New Zealand Hike/Bike Report: Up For The Downhill (And Vice-Versa)

*Ben Ohau opens-up for hikers or bikers. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Report from October 31, 2023

Ben Ohau; a fixture summit with an undeniable natural magic.

*Objective: Ben Ohau. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Good lines for 2 wheels down Ben Ohau. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

For decades, or longer, the enchanting summit has grabbed the admiration of artists, hikers, and now bikers.

In a New Zealand nation of seriously stunner settings, Ben Ohau is easily among the most painted, photographed, and generally popular geographic elements.

*The way of the musters. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Good ol’ monkey scramble to the tip-top. Photo: P.M.Fadden

A old muster’s track measuring 2.5km serves as route to the main saddle. Typically, our brothers on bikes make this their turn-around.

Reaching the summit proper means a loosely-goosey, no trail scramble up an additional several hundred meters. And up there, the keen are rewarded with 360-views and unexpected comfort thanks to primitive dry rock wind shelters made by the industrious hands of those who came before.

*New Zealand’s version of a room with a view. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Details in the big picture. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Look to the ridge line. The road carries north! Photo: P.M.Fadden*

A summit push means marching (or peddling) a pinch higher than 1500 meters. Along the way, the view (which is never less than lovely) grows only more fantastic.

By the top-floor finish line, the panorama is so marvelous that decision to descend is more challenging than the climb up.

Fun side note: for those connecting the dots on a larger journey of discovery, the old muster’s track carries on. It links the towns of Twizel and Omarama—while continuing to unfurl spectacular views.