Motatapu Track Vehicle Circuit
Gold rush trail through high tussock country
The Motatapu Track follows a centuries-old Māori trail across the spine of Central Otago, connecting Glendhu Bay on Lake Wanaka to historic Arrowtown via the Rose Saddle. This 42-kilometer route climbs through golden tussock country that hosted some of the South Island’s richest gold claims in the 1860s. The technical section comes at Fern Burn, where stream crossings and steep climbs through schist rock outcrops demand careful throttle work and decent ground clearance.
You’ll need a capable 4WD for the Rose Saddle crossing and rocky descents into Arrowtown. Summer and autumn (December-May) offer the best conditions, though Central Otago weather changes fast — carry chains and warm gear even in January. The track requires booking through the landowner, and camping is restricted to designated spots only. But the payoff includes panoramic views across three lake systems and access to some of the most pristine high country left in the South Island.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 26 mi / 42 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4920 ft |
| Best season | December-May |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Wanaka, Otago |
| Land manager | Private stations and DOC |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Patrol handle the Motatapu Track, or does it need to be lifted?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Hilux or Patrol is the minimum — this isn't a job for a standard AWD crossover. Factory diff lock or low range is essential for the rocky climbs and loose shingle sections, but a lift isn't required if your clearance is solid.
When does the Motatapu Track close, and is it passable outside summer?
December through May is the reliable window. Snow and ice above 4,000 ft make the high sections dangerous or impassable from June onward, and spring thaw (September–November) turns the crossings unpredictable and the clay surfaces into a mess.
Do you need a permit to drive the Motatapu Track, and who do you contact?
Yes — the route crosses private high country stations, so permission from the landowners is required before you go. Contact the relevant station managers in advance; DOC manages parts of the corridor but the private land gates are the real gatekeepers here.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The climb through the high tussock zone approaching the 4,920 ft max elevation is where things get committing — loose rock, narrow shelf road, and steep exposure with limited room to recover if you get it wrong. The water crossings lower on the route can run fast after rain and deserve a walk before you drive them.
How many water crossings are there, and how deep do they run in normal conditions?
There are multiple crossings along the 42 km route — exact counts vary by season as some are seasonal flows. In normal summer conditions most are wheel-deep, but after heavy rain they can rise fast; there's no bridge option on several of them, so if it looks sketchy, it is.
Trail track
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