Macetown Historic Reserve is 15 km from Arrowtown. Access is via a 4WD track and driving takes about 1 hour each way, depending on weather and conditions. Walking from Arrowtown takes 3-4 hours each way, mountain biking 1-2 hours each way.
Take care when driving the 4WD track as areas can deteriorate after rains and winter causing slips and landslides.
The 4WD track is a challenging and risky drive
The 4WD track is not managed or maintained by DOC. The terrain is very difficult and includes sections of narrow 4WD track with steep drop-offs, blind corners and 23 unbridged river crossings.
If you choose to drive the track, you are accepting the risks involved and are responsible for making sure you have the skills and equipment to manage the drive.
We strongly recommend that you only drive this track if you have experience in 4WD driving in this type of terrain. We also recommend only driving it during the daytime and in good weather.
Vehicle requirements
You should be self-reliant, with recovery equipment (winch) appropriate for the conditions and terrain. Recommended minimum vehicle requirements include: a fit for purpose 4WD fitted with off-road tyres and snorkel, or other suitable means to avoid hydraulicing.
Stay on the track and don't expect vehicle assistance
Stay on the track and do not attempt routes you are unsure of. It may be very difficult to reverse or pass other traffic.
Do not expect assistance if your vehicle becomes submerged, damaged or stuck on the track or in rivers. You need to make your own arrangements for vehicle recovery in the event of a mishap.
Macetown was first settled in the early 1860s as a result of the discovery of gold in the Arrow River and its catchment. At first the rush was for alluvial gold from the river and its flats. Later the miners turned their attention to the hills and several quartz mining operations were established, some high above the aptly named Rich Burn, which joins the Arrow at Macetown.
The village owed its existence solely to the mining industry; when that failed the town slowly died and by the 1930s Macetown was a ghost town.
Macetown's major historic structures have all been restored including Andersons Battery, Needhams Cottage, Smiths Bakehouse and building remnants such as the old schoolroom and stone fences. Some of the housing sections can still be seen and several of the original fruit and shelter trees survive in and around these. Of industrial significance, Andersons Battery is the only known all-metal stamping battery in Otago. New Zealand's grandest stamper battery, Homeward Bound stamper battery, can be accessed from Macetown.
Interpretation panels tell the town's story through following the life of Jack Glasson, a fictional character based on real incidents and anecdotes.
Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 442 7935 |
| Email: | queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 50 Stanley Street Queenstown 9300 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |