Access Whakaari Conservation Area from a carpark 2 km south of Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd.
Unsafe water source Whakaari
Due to historic mining activities, high levels of arsenic and heavy metals may be present in the soil and streams in the Whakaari area. Filtering or boiling the stream water does not remove the contamination.
Visitors should not use the natural water sources for drinking, cooking, or washing based on current information available on the contamination.
Heather Jock, McIntyre and McIntosh huts may have water in their tanks for use, but this is not guaranteed. Carry all the water you need when you visit the site.
Historic huts and mining relics are surrounded by stunning mountains covered in tussock. The walks and tramps offer grand views towards Lake Wakatipu, the Dart River and the Humboldt Mountains.
The small town of Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, was thrown into the spotlight in the early 1880s due to the discovery of the mineral scheelite - "Otago's white gold".
Restored huts, the battery site and other relics like the aerial cable way from Bonnie Jean Hut can be visited today.
Bonnie Jean Hut is a historic hut, not for overnight use, on the Mt Judah Track. The existing hut, workshop and tractor shed are thought to date back to at least the 1940s.
Warning: Dangerous mine tunnels are present and may be hidden by vegetation. Do not enter tunnels.
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 |