Invincible Gold Mine
Walking track
Time:
3 hr return
Getting there
30 minutes drive up Rees Valley Road from Glenorchy.
About the area
Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s best-known, multi-day tracks. There are also good one-day tracks, with many shorter walks nearby.
Description
Part of the Otago Goldfields Park, this uphill walk gives you wonderful views of the Rees Valley and Mt Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi. Remains of the water wheel and a unique set of seven berdans - the large, slowly revolving cast iron bowls in which the ore was ground - are also visible. Miners built the track in the early 1880s.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required