Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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Pigeon Island Loop

Glenorchy, Otago

Submitted by Lindsey Francis

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 20 ?

5.7km

205m

205m

460m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Lakeside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

90%
10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:45

Moderate

0:30

Fast

Easy bush route to follow with points to turn down to the rocky beaches. Undulating terrain but easy. Bush bashing a bit sometimes but nothing crazy - might be good to have long pants. Route will take you up to the summit. You can loop either way. Route begins from the Queentown end of the island where the campsite is.

Many native birds on the island as it is mostly predator free. Watch for wekas in particular.

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.

Room for approximately 10 cars at Lake Face Creek Falls pull in to park. Smithy's Hut on Pigeon Island is first come first serve plus a big camp site for tents. No public transport. Will need a boat of some sort.

9 km

8 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Very patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Only lake water available.

As in all mountainous areas, weather is variable and you are more exposed being on a small island. Prepare appropriately.

Lake can pick up in wind and waves in that area very quickly so bare that in mind for your travels back to the Lake Face Creek car park.

Trail Legend

GM

Gary McGregor

has completed Pigeon Island Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

A fun little mission. On kayak it was 25 minutes casual pace from shore near Lake Face Creek to the bay at the Queenstown end of the island. Run on the grass track was slightly overgrown but not too bad, and all good in shorts. Took the summit turnoff which continues as a loop (sign at start indicates it does not). Nice views along the way and plenty of bird life. Great spot for a swim at start/end of trail just before the old doc hut.

David Brock

January 3, 2022

A wee gem! Great little loop with the option of a second hill for a different vantage point over the island, I second the long leggings advice. Beautiful views and lots of bird life. The hut/campsite is worth a stay, watch out for the cheeky wekas.

Kate Annan

September 14, 2020

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