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St James Conservation Area

St James Conservation Area covers 78,000 ha of native beech/tawhai forests, alpine tussocklands, rivers, lakes and mountains. It was a key route for Mäori between the east and west coasts, travelling through the Clarence and Waiau valleys.

The area was one of the largest operating cattle/sheep stations in the country dating back to 1862. It was purchased by the Government in 2008 for public conservation land to protect its natural, physical and cultural values and open it up to outdoor recreation and tourism.

The Waiau River runs north to south through the conservation area. The western side, from Lewis Pass to the Waiau River, is characterised by mixed beech forests, open river flats and tussock grasslands rising to snowy mountain tops. In contrast, the eastern side is drier open country with matagouri, native and exotic grasses, regenerating shrublands and mountain lakes.

St James Conservation Area is bordered by Molesworth Recreation Reserve to the east, Nelson Lakes National Park and Lewis Pass National Reserve to the west, and Lake Sumner Forest Park to the south. Beyond Lake Tennyson the road through Rainbow Station offers 4WD or cycling adventures through to St Arnaud.


Getting there:

The west side of St James Conservation Area is accessible to walkers from State Highway 7 (Lewis Pass Road) at Boyle Village (190km from Christchurch) and Lewis Pass. Horses, mountain bikes and motorised vehicles cannot access St James Conservation Area from this side.

The east side of St James Conservation Area can be reached via Hanmer Springs. From the township take Clarence Valley Road over Jacks Pass to connect with Tophouse Road (about 13km from Hanmer Springs). This road follows the eastern boundary of St James Conservation Area to Lake Tennyson. All tracks along this road are open to cyclists, horse riders and walkers.

Off-road parking is available at St James Homestead and at the entrances to Maling Pass and Fowlers Pass tracks.  Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Adobe Acrobat DocumentMap of St James Conservation Area
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Something for everyone

The diverse landscape offers a great range of recreation activities including;

The land east of the Waiau River is open to motorised vehicles, mountain biking, horse riding and dogs with a permit (permit obtained from the DOC Waimakariri Area office phn: 03 313 0820 prior to your trip).

To protect its high conservation values and vulnerable native birds, particularly kiwi, dogs are not permitted west of the Waiau River.  Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Clean up after your dog and remove any faeces. Dogs are not permitted in any of the huts.

St James – west of the Waiau River provides a more natural backcountry experience, with the St James Walkway a great 5-day sub-alpine tramp.


Your safety is your responsibility

While access into St James Conservation Area is relatively easy, this remains a remote backcountry area. There is no cell phone coverage. Before your trip ensure you have:

  • Checked the latest weather forecast
  • Left your intentions with someone
  • A PLB (personal locator beacon) or mountain radio
  • Enough warm clothing to spend the night out if you have to