Last updated October 2026
The Harts Creek Track is a flat wildlife walk near Leeston that follows Harts Creek into a wooded swamp on the western edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed this track as partly closed: “The boardwalk and hide section of the walkway is closed.
Access is still available along the Harts creek section of the track for approximately 1200 m.” The open section starts at the reserve car park and is graded Easiest, with DOC giving 1 hr 20 minutes return.
Swans, ducks, shags and trout are among the wildlife you may see, which makes it a good walk for children and families. Check DOC before you go, as the closure may change.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Harts Creek Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Reserve car park, off Lower Lake Road near Leeston
- Distance from the city
- About 37 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 1 hr 20 minutes return
- Track length
- 2.7 km return
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Facilities
- No toilets or drinking water on site
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (boardwalk and hide section closed). Check DOC before you go.
About Harts Creek Track
From the car park the track passes through native trees, then runs along a stop bank beside grassy paddocks. It leads into Harts Creek Wildlife Management Reserve, a densely wooded swamp that DOC describes as a wildlife refuge on the western edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. There is a sheltered spot for picnics at the reserve entrance.
The birdlife is the main draw. DOC lists white and black swans, pūkeko, spotted shag (parekareka), Canada geese, several kinds of duck, white heron (kōtuku), pied stilt (kakī) and crested grebe (kamana). You may even see the Australasian bittern (matuku-hūrepo). Trout live in the creek.
Predator traps along the walkway help protect nesting birds. DOC asks visitors not to touch them.
DOC describes it as a great walk for children and families. Young children must be supervised at all times because of the water and the nearby stream.
Track Closure
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the track as partly closed. The boardwalk and hide section was shut, while about 1200 m along Harts Creek remained open. DOC says it is working with the Ellesmere Lions Club on upgrading this facility. Do not climb the barrier. Check the DOC page for the latest before you go.
Getting There
From Leeston, head down Leeston And Lake Road for 4.8 km, then turn left onto Harts Road. After 1 km, go straight through the intersection, where Harts Road becomes Lower Lake Road.
Continue 300 m, and at the Timber Yard Road turn-off take the shingle road on your left, marked by an orange bird hide sign. Follow it across the bridge to the car park. Access crosses private land, so keep to the track.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Harts Creek Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) area: other DOC places around the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harts Creek Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, it was partly closed. DOC said the boardwalk and hide section was closed, with about 1200 m along Harts Creek still open. Check DOC before you go.
How long does the walk take?
DOC gives 1 hr 20 minutes return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easiest. The track is flat.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, because it is a wildlife area.
Are there toilets?
No. DOC says there are no toilets or drinking water on site.
What birds can I see?
Swans, ducks, shags, pūkeko, white heron, pied stilt and crested grebe, and possibly the Australasian bittern.
Where does the track start?
At the reserve car park, reached by a shingle road off Lower Lake Road near Leeston.
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