Mt Judah / Heather Jock Tracks
Located in Whakaari Conservation Area in the Otago region
Introduction
Scheelite mining history, open tussock country and grand views await on these tracks - with the option of staying overnight in the basic Heather Jock Hut.Walking and tramping
2 - 3 hr one way | 3 - 4 hr 30 min one way Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping trackAdvanced: Tramping track
Mountain biking
Intermediate: Grade 3Other activities
- Horse riding
Dog access
Mt Judah Track (to Bonnie Jean Hut)
Time: 2 - 3 hr one way
Track category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track
From the information shelter, an easy climb leads up the old Mt Judah Road, which sidles around the northern side of Mt Judah. The track passes the Glenorchy Scheelite Battery and the State Mine before reaching a junction one hour and 30 minutes from the carpark. From the junction continue up to the end of the Judah Road. From here, Bonnie Jean Hut (day use only) is a half hour climb up a marked track.
Mountain biking
Intermediate track, gentle to steep climb.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Horse riding
Horse riding is also possible on this track.
Heather Jock Track (Bonnie Jean Hut to Heather Jock Hut)
Time: from Bonnie Jean Hut, 1 - 1 hr 30 min one way
Track category: Tramping track suitable for experienced trampers
From the Judah Road below Bonnie Jean Hut (day use only), a marked track follows an old mining road, that zig zags steeply to Heather Jock Hut. From the hut, the track sidles down to Bonnie Jean Hut (day use only) before dropping back down to the end of the road.
Turn to the right off the Queenstown-Glenorchy Rd, 2 km before Glenorchy, to reach the Whakaari Conservation Area carpark.
- The Whakaari tracks are alpine and exposed: changeable weather, extreme temperatures, strong winds, snow and ice are possible at any time of year. Not recommended during winter months or unfavourable conditions.
- Streams may flood at any time of year due to rain or snow melt and should not be crossed in flood.
- Dangerous mine tunnels are present and may be hidden by vegetation. Do not enter tunnels.
Use NZTopo50 map sheets CB10.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Contacts
| Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 442 7935 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
50 Stanley Street Queenstown 9300 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 811 Queenstown 9348 |
| Full office details | |