Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Moke Lake from Mt.Crichton
Submitted by James Harcombe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 32
Gnarl Factor: 21
27.5km
885m
885m
620m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by James Harcombe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 32
Gnarl Factor: 21
27.5km
885m
885m
620m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Lakeside
Open farmlands
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.0%
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4:30
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:30
Fast
From the main car park, take the obvious gravel path to the South West. This climbs a little, before dropping to an intersection. Turn right for the Mt.Crichton Loop. Cross the road, and after a few hundred metres, you'll arrive at a bridge and a sign for the Mt.Crichton Loop. Turn right, and head up the hill. At the top of the hill (approx 2.75km's) from the start, you will reach a lookout with great views over Lakes Dispute and Wakatipu. Just on from here is a right turn and a signpost to Lake Dispute. Head down the track to the outlet of the lake. Cross the bridge, climb a short incline, and you will find yourself on a farm 4WD road (just over 4km's from the start). Turn hard left along the road (signposted Lake Dispute - Moke Lake walkway). Follow the obvious track alongside Lake Dispute, climb the hill at the head of the lake, then follow the signs to Moke Lake (very obvious!). When you reach Moke Lake, turn right across the stile, and follow the track around the lake. After about 6km's, you'll return to the same stile (there are toilets and water at the other side of the lake - approx 13.5km's from the start). Retrace your steps to the Mt.Crichton Loop. when you reach the track, turn right to complete the Mt.Crichton Loop.
Plenty of old mining relics, huts and workings on the Mt.Crichton Loop
Plenty of parking available. Toilets and water at start. No Public Transport, but easy to hitch from town.
12 km
15 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
The only point where care should be taken is on the short climb up from the outlet of Lake Dispute. When you come out on the 4WD track, there is a large orange triangle and a path straight ahead. Do not take this track, as it leads back to the road.
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).
In the summer, there's water at the Moke Lake Campround. Plenty of small streams along the way if you're desperate, but keep in mind that much of the track passes through farmland. The creeks draining from Mt.Crichton are generally safe.
Plenty of mud and ice in the winter!
No specific hazards.
Smiths Brewery
Shotover Street
http://www.smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Best craft beer selection in town!
Bespoke Kitchen
Isle St
http://www.bespokekitchen.co.nz
Great coffee and a range of healthy snacks
Atlas Beer Cafe
Steamer Wharf
http://www.atlasbeercafe.com
Great beers and food in a waterfront location
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Moke Lake from Mt.Crichton
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KK
Godamnit. Good instructions. Bad at following them. Ended up circling My. Crichton a few times. Beautiful snowy wonderland. Will be back to do the whole hog.
August 2
Great run that combines the Mt Crichton loop with a stretch out to Moke Lake, one of Queenstown’s hidden gems.
October 2, 2021
Something for everyone, a little bit of hill, some suprisingly flat sections, epic views, some good single track. Great local bash.
May 7, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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