Last Updated: 1st Feb 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Bannockburn Tailings Track

Cromwell, Otago

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 1st Feb 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 7 ?

Gnarl Factor: 26 ?

5.0km

190m

195m

366m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Other

Run Makeup

75%
20%
5%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.1%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

40:00

Moderate

30

Fast

This is a very straightforward trail. From the carpark follow the trail straight ahead to complete the loop clockwise, the main trail is pretty obvious and climbs steadily.

At about 1.2km you will see the first cave/mine to the left of the trail, take the we loop for a closer look and then rejoin the main trail. Carry on about another 100m where you will see a sign, take a left here to inspect the Dam.

At the dam turn around and head back to the main track and continue to about the 2.7 km point where you will see the historic Stewart Town to your left. Head over and check out the ruins and the slightly re-instated building, there is a toilet here as well.

Then carry on the loop, past another dam wall, down past the wineries into a canyon created by the miners, and eventually down to the carpark.

Moon-like terrain... views of the tailings and caves/mines plus dams, water races and old buildings.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Good sized off road carpark.

0 km

0 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

The main trail is pretty easy to follow and, as there are no trees to block your view, you can pretty well see where you are and where you are going for the whole loop. There are a myriad of lesser unofficial trails you can explore to add distance and you can run out to Domain Road from the Dam track to add another 1.8km.

Patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

There is a stream down where you head to the dam. It's recommended to treat any water.

Predominently gravel and rock, so any slightly muddy areas are easy to bypass.

Ups and downs with loose gravel on rock can be treacherous so care is required in some places, generally just great running.

Mt Difficulty
100m down the road
https://www.mtdifficulty.nz/
Good wines and top food.

Trail Legend

Janette Gwilliam

Janette Gwilliam

has completed Bannockburn Tailings Track once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Bannockburn Tailings Track

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Definately worth a visit to these old gold fields. There are lots of signs detailing the history of the region along with ruins from an old settlement. Was a fascinating area with a really unique landscape. The loop was an easy walk

Janette Gwilliam

October 16, 2023

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Roaring Meg Pack Track

Roaring Meg Pack Track

Length: 18.0km

Level: Intermediate

Mt Pisa via Tinwald Burn Ridge

Mt Pisa via Tinwald Burn Ridge

Length: 25.0km

Level: Intermediate

Cairnmuir to Clyde

Cairnmuir to Clyde

Length: 26.9km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Lindis Loop

Lindis Loop

Length: 63.3km

Level: Intermediate

Find more trails and peaks nearby