Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

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Invincible

Glenorchy, Otago

Submitted by Isobel Stout

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 19 ?

Gnarl Factor: 21 ?

7.0km

Length of run

400m

Total Ascent

400m

Total Descent

800m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Other

Run Makeup

30%

70%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:45

Slow

1:15

Moderate

1:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Beginning at the “concentrator “ which looks just like a landed UFO, trot along the road 1km to the track start. This is well sign posted and has a pedestrian access gate. From there it’s a simple matter of following the wide single track up and up and up some more until it tops out at the mine workings. Wander about the exhibits, find the mine entrance and when you’ve had enough of the views head down exactly the same way.

This is all that’s left of the Invincible Mine. Fabulous and absolutely unique gold mining relics from the 1880s including a set of 7 burdans not to mention the concentrator at the parking area... plus native alpine beech forest, loads of native birds, stunning views of the Rees River valley and Mt Earnslaw and its glacier. 325oz of gold were recovered from the very first stamping...

Transport and parking:

There are no public transport options beyond Glenorchy. The Rees Valley Rd is gravel and becomes quite narrow. There are two quite easy fords but be extra careful if it’s rained much recently. There is room for a couple cars at the track start itself but much more off road parking at the “concentrator” 1km further on. That way you get a 1km warmup and get to see the “concentrator”.

Distance from Glenorchy:

15 km

Driving time from Glenorchy:

17 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Follow the clear trail and all will be well.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

Availability of Water:

The ford very near the track start was very refreshing, otherwise there is no water on the track.

Seasonality Issues:

Typical Otago high country, hot in summer, icy in winter and subject to change very quickly this close to the main divide.

Hazards:

Watch out for vehicles on the 1km stretch of road, there’s plenty of grass at the road edge to move onto.

Mrs Woolly’s General Store
Glenorchy
https://www.theheadwaters.co.nz/general-store/
Coffee! Great cakes including gluten and dairy free. Fairlie pies... Free chilled and filtered water, good loos.

Trail Legend