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Moonlight Track

Posted on 15 October 2008

, South Island
Trail Name:
Moonlight Track

Summary:
From Arthur’s Point, head through rugged gold-mining country to the old settlement of Sefferstown.

Trail Description
The Moonlight Track heads north, running parallel to the Shotover River. A popular venue for jet-boating, you can often see them on the river far below to the right. There are wonderful mountain views as you follow the undulating path.

After about 1.25 miles/2km, the trail skirts a small, rocky crag and bears left (west) to follow Moke Creek. This crag makes a great vantage point to enjoy the mountains in some solitude.

The path continues for another 2 km, following the historic route into the Moonlight goldfields. It ends at a 4WD private farm track that leads to the old goldmining settlement of Sefferstown in around 0.6 mile/1 km. Branching off the road to the left, a poled route climbs to the Ben Lomond saddle.

Those wanting a longer hike can continue along the 4WD track through Moke Creek gorge for a further 5 miles/8 km, past abandoned copper mines, to Moke Lake. If you have not arranged any transport here, it will be a day’s hike out and back to Arthur’s Point.

FACT FILE
Location: Southern South Island, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, 304 miles/487 km south-west of Christchurch and 119 miles/190 km north of Invercargill.

Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, which becomes the 6A just outside . This road will take you into the center. Continue up Stanley Street and turn right at the second roundabout onto Gorge Road. Head north on Gorge Road for 5 km to Arthur’s Point.

Trailhead: From Arthur’s Point, switchback up McChesney Road, pass a sign for Arthur’s Track and bear left at the fork. Continue to the parking area at the end of the road.

Length: 6.2 miles / 9.9 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3.5 hours

Trail Condition: Narrow, defined path. Final 1 km follows a 4WD track.

Features: River and mountain views.

Climate: Changeable – weather tends to be most stable February/March.

Accommodation: Limited lodging at Arthurs Point. has plenty of choice for all budgets: cabins, tent and RV sites, backpacker hostels, motels, hotels and apartments.

Trail Notes: Trail information from the Department of Conservation visitor center, Shotover Street.

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Popularity: 19% [?]

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This post was written by:

Khan - who has written 159 posts on Hiking Trails.


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