Last Updated: 2nd Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Moke Lake from Mt.Crichton

Queenstown, Otago

Submitted by James Harcombe

Last Updated: 2nd Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 32 ?

Gnarl Factor: 21 ?

27.5km

885m

885m

620m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Lakeside

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

10%
30%
30%
30%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.0%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

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

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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.

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

DN

Daniel Nogueira

has completed Moke Lake from Mt.Crichton once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Moke Lake from Mt.Crichton

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

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.

Karen Koch

August 2, 2023

Awesome trail! Good views of lake dispute and Moke lake.

Darren Robinson

May 7, 2022

Great run that combines the Mt Crichton loop with a stretch out to Moke Lake, one of Queenstown’s hidden gems.

Chris Seymour

October 2, 2021

Something for everyone, a little bit of hill, some suprisingly flat sections, epic views, some good single track. Great local bash.

Paul Nicholas

May 7, 2021

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Overlapping Trails

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.

The Felic Relic

The Felic Relic

Length: 28.0km

Level: Beginner

Mt. Crichton Loop

Mt. Crichton Loop

Length: 7.2km

Level: Beginner

Other trails nearby
Jacks Point to Queenstown Trail

Jacks Point to Queenstown Trail

Length: 25.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Remarkable Run

Remarkable Run

Length: 12.0km

Level: Experienced

The Queens Drive and Wye Dome.

The Queens Drive and Wye Dome.

Length: 11.7km

Level: Experienced

Fernhill Loop

Fernhill Loop

Length: 8.1km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Find more trails and peaks nearby