Otago
Motatapu Alpine Track - OPEN
(North to South)
Walk 2.5km up Motatapu Rd from the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road junction to the Fern Burn Carpark. There is a toilet here, at the start of Motatapu Alpine Track.
Foreign owners paid for the construction of this track and the huts en route in accordance with Overseas Investment Office conditions of approval of the sale of the Motatapu and Mt Soho Station pastoral leases. The track was opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2008.
- Due to the exposed nature of the Motatapu Alpine Track and its physically challenging terrain, it is only suitable for experienced trampers.
- Several steep sidles require care, and tramping times should be adjusted for those not confident in this type of country.
- The climate is typically Central Otago. Very hot, dry conditions are common in summer.
- Carry plenty of water, as water sources are limited, and ensure adequate protection against the sun.
- Wintry conditions can occur at any time of the year, with the higher country subject to snow, especially during winter.
- Be prepared by having warm, windproof clothing and appropriate footwear.
Fern Burn carpark to Fern Burn Hut - 6.5km / 3hr
The first section, on formed track and through to the Fern Burn Hut, is the easiest part of the Motatapu Alpine Track.
Fern Burn Hut to Highland Creek Hut - 6km / 4hr
From the hut the track follows marker poles further up the Fern Burn and on to Jack Halls Saddle (1275m). On clear days there are return views to Lake Wanaka.
Roses Hut to Macetown - 10km / 4-5hr
Big Hill Track - 13km / 4-5hr
The Big Hill Track is an historic route that was once the main road from Arrowtown to Macetown.
From Macetown follow the 4WD Arrow Gorge Rd downstream to the Eight Mile/Coronet Creek confluence. Head up this creek for about 500m then follow polesand a light ground trail leading off on the true right up to Big Hill Saddle (1060m). The formed track down from the saddle affords good views across to Lake Hayes and the Wakatipu Basin. It passes through open tussock country and beech forest to the Sawpit Gully Trail junction. Continue down on the right hand track and exit to Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown on the Bush Creek Trail.
- Vehicles on road or track take care on Motatapu Rd and look out for 4WD adjacent to Arrow River
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers You will have to cross the Arrow River at the south end
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Weather extremes
- Few water sources
(North to South)
Walk 2.5km up Motatapu Rd from the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road junction to the Fern Burn Carpark. There is a toilet here, at the start of Motatapu Alpine Track.
Foreign owners paid for the construction of this track and the huts en route in accordance with Overseas Investment Office conditions of approval of the sale of the Motatapu and Mt Soho Station pastoral leases. The track was opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2008.
- Due to the exposed nature of the Motatapu Alpine Track and its physically challenging terrain, it is only suitable for experienced trampers.
- Several steep sidles require care, and tramping times should be adjusted for those not confident in this type of country.
- The climate is typically Central Otago. Very hot, dry conditions are common in summer.
- Carry plenty of water, as water sources are limited, and ensure adequate protection against the sun.
- Wintry conditions can occur at any time of the year, with the higher country subject to snow, especially during winter.
- Be prepared by having warm, windproof clothing and appropriate footwear.
Fern Burn carpark to Fern Burn Hut - 6.5km / 3hr
The first section, on formed track and through to the Fern Burn Hut, is the easiest part of the Motatapu Alpine Track.
Fern Burn Hut to Highland Creek Hut - 6km / 4hr
From the hut the track follows marker poles further up the Fern Burn and on to Jack Halls Saddle (1275m). On clear days there are return views to Lake Wanaka.
Roses Hut to Macetown - 10km / 4-5hr
Big Hill Track - 13km / 4-5hr
The Big Hill Track is an historic route that was once the main road from Arrowtown to Macetown.
From Macetown follow the 4WD Arrow Gorge Rd downstream to the Eight Mile/Coronet Creek confluence. Head up this creek for about 500m then follow polesand a light ground trail leading off on the true right up to Big Hill Saddle (1060m). The formed track down from the saddle affords good views across to Lake Hayes and the Wakatipu Basin. It passes through open tussock country and beech forest to the Sawpit Gully Trail junction. Continue down on the right hand track and exit to Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown on the Bush Creek Trail.
Accommodation en route
Fern Burn Hut - 12 bunks
Highland Creek Hut - 12 bunks
Roses Hut - 12 bunks
Arrowtown
General information
For information on Arrowtown log onto - Arrowtown Visitor Information
Arrowtown Museum and Information Centre - 49 Buckingham St, Arrowtown - PH: 03 442 1824 - E: info@museumqueenstown.com
Getting there/away
Transport to/from Frankton/Queenstown
Connectabus - departs regularly from Ramshaw Lane - P: 03 441 4471
Arrowtown Holiday Park - 12 Centennial Ave, Arrowtown - P: 03 442 1876 - E: info@arrowtownholidaypark.co.nz - units, lodge and camping
Arrowtown Night n Day Food Store - 39 Buckingham St, Arrowtown - P: 03 442 1886 - - Basic resupply
- Keep to the track
- Respect private land
- No litter
- No dogs
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided at huts
- Bury toilet waste well away from water
(Start)
- Roadside parking only
- Car park at Fern Burn carpark up Motatapu Rd
- Toilets in Glendhu Bay Camp Ground (open seasonally)
- Shop in Glendhu Bay Camp Ground (open seasonally)
- Accommodation in Glendhu Bay Camp Ground (open seasonally)
(On Route)
- No amenities
- Accommodation huts
(End)
- Full range of amenities in Arrowtown
- Carpark
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation
