Temple Campsite in Ruataniwha Conservation Park
Temple Campsite is a scenic Department of Conservation (DOC) site located in Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Situated beside Temple Stream, the campsite is framed by Ram Hill to the north, Shingle Hill to the south, and the towering 2,200-metre Steeple Peak to the west. The site is accessible from Lake Ōhau Road, north of the lake. The entrance features open grassland, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Ben Ōhau range across the Hopkins Valley.
From the campsite, there is the short Temple Viewpoint Track on the side of Ram Hill. Two more substantial tracks run up the North and South Temple Valleys.
Exploring the North and South Temple Valleys
Access to the walking tracks in the North and South Temple Valleys is located on the west side of the campsite, just beyond the shelter. To begin your hike, follow the marked track and cross the stream where it divides between the North and South Temple.
The North Temple Track is a manageable day walk, taking about two and a half hours each way for a total of ten kilometres return. After crossing North Temple Stream near the fork, the track follows the beech forest margin alongside the stream. It ascends from 600 to 950 metres, culminating in a cirque basin dominated by the 2,289-metre Temple Peak. The basin's steep sides rise over 1,000 metres above the entrance.
The South Temple Track extends seven and a half kilometres one way to South Temple Hut, starting from the fork and climbing to 800 metres. Although storms have damaged this track, it remains feasible as a day walk, taking three to four hours each way. For those with more time, the hut provides an overnight stay and the opportunity to walk an additional five kilometres north along the Upper South Temple Track towards Temple Peak. Be cautious when crossing the stream to reach the hut, especially after rain.
Connecting Track for Experienced Trampers
For seasoned trampers, the tracks can be connected via Gunsight Pass, which reaches 1,900 metres between Belfry and Bruce Peaks. This challenging route involves a steep climb up rocky and scree slopes and is best attempted from north to south, starting at the cirque. Allow two days for this trek, with an overnight stay at South Temple Hut.
Getting to Temple Campsite
To reach Temple Campsite, drive along gravel Lake Ōhau Road from the Lake Ōhau Lodge. The 16 km drive takes about 25 minutes.
Other places around Lake Ōhau include Lake Middleton, the Lake Ohau Track and the Round Bush Campsite. For cyclists, check out the A2O trail, which runs along the lake track to the Lake Ohau Lodge and then along the face of the Ohau Range on the Tarnbrae Track.
