43 Mile Bush Telegraph Track
Telegraph lines through the heart of nowhere.
The 43 Mile Bush Telegraph Track cuts through some of Southland’s most isolated terrain, following the route of the old telegraph line that connected Invercargill to the West Coast goldfields in the 1860s. This genuine backcountry route winds through dense beech forest, across multiple unbridged stream crossings, and over boggy sections that’ll test your traction control. The Aparima River crossing at mile 18 is the crux — a proper ford that’s swallowed more than one overconfident ute when the rains come.
This is solid intermediate 4WD territory requiring good ground clearance and diff locks for the mud holes. Winter’s a no-go due to flooding, while summer through autumn offers the best conditions. No permits needed, but carry recovery gear and tell someone your plans — cell service is non-existent once you leave the Otautau end. The reward is genuine solitude in country most Kiwis never see, plus scattered gold mining relics for the historically minded.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 43 mi / 69.2 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | December-April |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with diff locks |
| Nearest town | Otautau, Southland |
| Land manager | Department of Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD without diff locks run the Bush Telegraph Track?
No. The trail specifies diff locks as the minimum requirement. Mud, off-camber sections, and the river crossings will defeat an open diff in wet conditions, and Southland is almost always wet.
When does the Bush Telegraph Track open and close for the season?
December through April is the reliable window. Outside that, snow on the higher sections and swollen river crossings make it genuinely dangerous — Southland winters are brutal and the track has no bailout options mid-route.
Do you need a permit to drive the Bush Telegraph Track?
No permit is required currently. The track falls under DOC (Department of Conservation) jurisdiction — follow standard backcountry rules, pack out all waste, and check the DOC website for any temporary closures before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The river crossings are the crux — water depth varies heavily with recent rainfall and there's no way to know conditions until you're standing in it. The combination of slick clay surfaces, tight beech forest, and crossings with no recovery room nearby is where most rigs get into trouble.
Is there any chance of getting fuel or supplies along the 43 miles, and how remote is 'remote'?
There is nothing on the track itself — no fuel, no services, no cell coverage at any point. Otautau is your last stop for fuel and supplies before you commit, and if something goes wrong mid-track you're relying on a PLB or sat communicator to get help.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.