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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 Queenstown. 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. Queenstown 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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