Queenstown Lakes

If you're new to the area, the dazzling array of names for tiny pieces of land (that are pretty much all the same place) is confusing. It certainly confused me when trying to compile this information. I have had to look at around 6 different websites, and online brochures to get to the understand this information. If you are a local and can make this info clearer please do.

Arrowtown is pretty small, and all the variously named reserves and trails seem to be pretty joined up, so parking will be the first step to your journey.

Car Parking

Bush Creek has a car parking area at the end of Buckingham St
Flint St has a carpark (off Wiltshire st \ Ramshaw Lane)
Ford St has a carpark for the Arrowtown Recreation Reserve

Remember these are public car parks, so clean up and take away all manure (and if others have been inconsiderate, please pick up theirs too!).

Bush Creek Trail

Start Bush Creek Reserve [Bush Creek / Arrow River Intersection]

Approx 30 mins

Joins to Big Hill Trail

Big Hill Trail

Approx length 5-6 hours

Start on Bush Creek Trail, then turn off

Today the trail follows the old bridle trail and climbs steadily from Bush Creek for an hour to reach Eichardt's Flat where there are grand views over the Arrow Basin and Lake Hayes.

This trail is on private land - stay on the trail, or stay home. Until the opening of the Macetown road in 1884, this trail was the main route over to Macetown.

Arrowtown Millenium Walk

Start at Ford Street (Arrowtown Recreational Reserve)

A 4.2km shared trail along the banks of the Arrow River. It travels downstream passing the site of the Criterion Quartz Mining company, one of the first quartz mines in New Zealand which began extracting gold from there in the 1860's. It is a wide, easy track overhung with Willow, Sycamore and Larch trees.

Click for map showing route from NZ Walks

The Arrowtown River Reserve, and Butlers Green are the main reserves in the township. Includes the lower section of Bush Creek, and the land between the Arrow River and Flint St. The Queenstown Trail, and 4WD track to Macetown all pass through this reserve.

Car parking areas are located at the intersection of Bush Creek and the Arrow river.

Getting There:

The track starts at the end of West Wanaka Road. (Streetview shows beginning at intersection of West Wanaka Rd, and Wanaka-Mt Aspiring)

Queenstown Lakes District Council Graphic

Tobins Track

Approx 5km (depending on where you start) to the top of Tobins Track. This is a gravel 4WD track shared with others - walk, dogs, bikes.

A vehicle ford (Ford st) and a swing-bridge cross the river to meet the wide and smooth 4WD road that is Tobin's Track. The road climbs steadily up the terrace and away from Arrowtown. Great views of Arrowtown and the wider Wakatipu basin across the Arrow Basin, taking in Lake Hayes, the Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu.

Macetown 4WD road \ Historic Reserve

Macetown Historic Reserve is 15 km from Arrowtown. Access is via a 4WD track that crosses the river 23 times. Driving takes about 1 hour each way, depending on weather and conditions. You must not leave the 4WD track.

The river can rise rapidly when raining, and should not be accessed during the winter months. Walkers, bikers and horses should take care of vehicles on the road.

There are many historical points of interest along the way, almost a story at every bend. It's worthwhile purchasing a small booklet from the Lakes District Museum which describes the features along the way.

View the DOC page

Wanaka and surrounds

Minaret Burn Track, West Wanaka

Managed by: DOC

Out and back track - shared with walkers and bikers 45km return

This track is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. There are no horse gates. Riders must get access details and a gate key from West Wanaka Station (+64 3 443 7144) for locked gates on public tracks.

Starting from the carpark at Homestead Bay, the track follows Lake Wanaka to Minaret Burn.

From Homestead Bay, the walking track undulates gently above the Lake Wānaka shoreline until it meets a 4WD track. About 2 – 3 hours (7.5km) from Homestead Bay a track leads off to the right to Colquhouns Beach, a pleasant place to swim and picnic.

After crossing Station Creek, you’re in the conservation area of the same name and now following the Minaret Burn tramping track. This incorporates remnant forest and shrublands and provides access to the lake foreshore.

On the main track, after about 10 minutes, it crosses the Rumbling Burn. Take care crossing this burn as it may be impassable during snowmelt or after heavy rain. By taking the track to cross the burn you’re in the Minaret Burn Mouth Conservation Area.

From here the track climbs steeply out of Rumbling Burn Valley before following a gentle terrace to the Minaret Burn. It is a relatively easy walk up the valley. The burn’s true left is on Minaret Station and permission is required for access.

Pisa Conservation Area, Wanaka

Managed by: DOC

Horse Riding Trails: Horse gates are not provided. Riders need to obtain gate keys from the landowners. Despite being public land, there is no public access into the area.

All the tracks cross private land/ Crown Pastoral Lease Land, and there are current problems with the landholders stopping access along these tracks.

The Pisa Conservation Area is 23,000 ha of stunning high country overlooking the Upper Clutha and Wakatipu basins, and beyond to the Southern Alps/Ka Tiritiri o te Moana. Open to horse riders and others if you can gain access via the private landowners.

More Information: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/otago/wanaka-area/pisa-conservation-area-tramping-tracks/