Atleys Track
Over Mount Dewar and down a 4WD track to gold mining remains and huts on Atleys Terrace above the Shotover River, then out to Skippers Road.
Published 15 September 2026 · Last checked 18 September 2026 · By Queenstown Pocket
Key facts
Open, with cautions. The council has Skippers Road and Branches Road closed at the Saddle because of multiple slips, with slips and rock falls between Deep Creek and Blue Slip, and its next update is due 21 September 2026 (read 18 September 2026). Atleys Track starts at the saddle, the closure point, and the full one way route finishes on the closed road about 5 km beyond it, so plan only the out-and-back from the saddle to Atleys Terrace. The notice does not say whether the saddle parking can be used. Checked 18 September 2026 on Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (Skippers Road) (opens in a new tab).
- Time
- 5 to 6 hours one way
- Distance
- 13.7 km one way
- Track type
- One way
- High point
- 1,310 m at Mount Dewar
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Surface
- 4WD track over Mount Dewar and down towards the Shotover River, then rugged track to Skippers Road
- Winter
- Not a winter walk
- Starts at
- Skippers Saddle, on the road to Skippers off Coronet Peak Road
- Bus
- No Orbus stop within 1.2 km of the start
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Bikes
- Bikes allowed
- Buggies and wheelchairs
- Not suitable for buggies. Not wheelchair accessible
- Cost
- Free
In short: Atleys Track is an advanced tramping track from Skippers Saddle over Mount Dewar to Atleys Terrace Historic Reserve above the Shotover River. DOC's brochure lists 13.7 km and 5 to 6 hours one way to Skippers Road, and 2 to 3 hours for the shorter option of retracing your steps from Atleys Terrace.
What the track is like
Historic gold mining features on both sides of the Shotover River, the huts on Atleys Terrace Historic Reserve, and the view from the 1,310 m summit of Mount Dewar on the way.
From Skippers Saddle, park near the cattle grid, cross the stile beside the locked gate and climb about 1 hour on the access road to the summit of Mount Dewar (1,310 m). From the top a 4WD track descends towards the Shotover River, with historic gold mining features in view on both sides of the river, to Atleys Terrace Historic Reserve and its huts.
Retracing your steps from Atleys Terrace is the shorter option, and DOC's brochure gives it 2 to 3 hours without saying whether that includes the way back. The return climbs from the river terrace over Mount Dewar again to the saddle, so turn back with plenty of time and energy in hand.
The full track continues on rugged ground towards Butchers Point and comes out on Skippers Road, 13.7 km and 5 to 6 hours one way from the saddle by DOC's brochure. From there it is another 5 km up Skippers Road to Skippers Saddle unless a vehicle meets you, and DOC warns that this narrow stretch is a hard road to drive a shuttle on. In September 2026 that stretch of Skippers Road is closed by the council, so turn around at Atleys Terrace.
The track crosses a mix of conservation and private land. Bikes are allowed (the brochure shows cycle Grade 3); DOC asks that bikes, motorbikes and 4WD vehicles keep to formed roads to protect the historic mining remains, and removing any object from a historic reserve is illegal.
How to get to the start
From Queenstown take Gorge Road to Arthurs Point and turn up Coronet Peak Road. After about 4 km turn left onto the unsealed road signposted to Skippers and continue to Skippers Saddle, where DOC provides parking near the cattle grid. Beyond the saddle Skippers Road is narrow and winding with very steep drops; DOC says only experienced drivers should attempt it and that rental cars are generally prohibited past Skippers Saddle. The road is administered by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
The council has Skippers Road and Branches Road closed at the Saddle because of multiple slips, with slips and rock falls between Deep Creek and Blue Slip, and its next update is due 21 September 2026 (read 18 September 2026). The closure point is the trailhead, and the notice does not say whether the saddle parking can be used. The Atleys finish is on the closed road 5 km beyond the saddle, and Skippers Bridge, about 13 km beyond it, is closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians until further notice (council, 12 January 2026). DOC points to the council on +64 3 441 0499 for updates. There is no Orbus stop within walking distance of either end: the nearest, Arthurs Point (Coronet Hotels) on route 4, is about 4.7 km from the saddle.
- Start: Skippers Saddle, on the road to Skippers off Coronet Peak Road (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- Parking: In the areas provided near the cattle grid at Skippers Saddle (DOC)
- From Queenstown: Gorge Road to Arthurs Point, up Coronet Peak Road, then left onto the unsealed road signposted to Skippers after about 4 km (DOC)
- Finish: Skippers Road, about 5 km beyond Skippers Saddle (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- By bus: There is no Orbus stop within walking distance of either end: the nearest, Arthurs Point (Coronet Hotels) on route 4, is about 4.7 km from Skippers Saddle and 7.5 km from the Skippers Road finish. Routes and fares are in the bus guide.
Is it open, and what is it like in winter?
Open, with cautions on 18 September 2026. The council has Skippers Road and Branches Road closed at the Saddle because of multiple slips, with slips and rock falls between Deep Creek and Blue Slip, and its next update is due 21 September 2026 (read 18 September 2026). Atleys Track starts at the saddle, the closure point, and the full one way route finishes on the closed road about 5 km beyond it, so plan only the out-and-back from the saddle to Atleys Terrace. The notice does not say whether the saddle parking can be used. Check Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (Skippers Road) (opens in a new tab) on the day; conditions change quickly.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | DOC says the higher tracks around Queenstown can carry snow and ice from autumn through winter and often into spring, and this route crosses the 1,310 m summit of Mount Dewar. Check the council's Skippers Road closure (next update due 21 September 2026) and conditions with the DOC Queenstown Visitor Centre before you go; while the road is closed, the full 5 to 6 hours one way is not an option. |
| Summer (December to February) | The practical season for the full one way trip, with daylight for 5 to 6 hours of tramping plus the road back to the saddle. Carry plenty of water and sun protection on the open tussock and 4WD track. |
| Autumn (March to May) | Snow and ice can return to the higher tracks from autumn (DOC). With shorter days, Mount Dewar on its own is the safer choice unless you start at first light. |
| Winter (June to August) | Rated avoid for June to August here: a 5 to 6 hour advanced tramp over a 1,310 m summit that DOC says is exposed to snow and ice in winter, reached on an unsealed road DOC says only experienced drivers should attempt. |
What to know before you go
- DOC's advanced tramping grade means mostly unformed track that may be rough and steep, for people with moderate to high fitness and backcountry experience. DOC says navigation, river crossing and survival skills are required, and tramping boots.
- Snow and ice: DOC says the higher tracks can be exposed from autumn through winter and often into spring, and the route crosses Mount Dewar at 1,310 m.
- Plan the finish before you start: the full track ends on Skippers Road 5 km beyond your car, and in September 2026 the council has that road closed at the saddle, so turn around at Atleys Terrace. Once it reopens, allow for the road walk or arrange a vehicle, and start early enough to finish in daylight with a headtorch in the pack.
- Skippers Road has precipitous drop-offs, and the council has it closed at the Saddle after slips, with Skippers Bridge also closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Check the council's update, due 21 September 2026, before driving to the saddle.
- Carry your own water: DOC's Skippers brochure warns that streams in the area may be contaminated by old mine workings. Leave your plans with a trusted contact and carry a distress beacon. No dogs.
For emergencies call 111. The Queenstown safety guide covers the rest before a long or winter walk.
Questions people ask
How long is Atleys Track?
DOC's brochure lists 13.7 km and 5 to 6 hours one way from Skippers Saddle to Skippers Road, and 2 to 3 hours for the shorter option of retracing your steps from Atleys Terrace.
Where does Atleys Track start and finish?
It starts at Skippers Saddle and climbs over Mount Dewar. It finishes on Skippers Road, about 5 km beyond the saddle.
Is Skippers Road open?
No. The council has Skippers Road and Branches Road closed at the Saddle because of multiple slips, with its next update due 21 September 2026 (read 18 September 2026), and Skippers Bridge is closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians until further notice. The track starts at the saddle, and the full route's finish is on the closed road beyond it.
Is Atleys Track hard?
Yes. DOC grades it an advanced tramping track: mostly unformed and possibly rough and steep, for people with moderate to high fitness, backcountry experience, navigation, river crossing and survival skills, and tramping boots.
Can I drive a rental car to Atleys Track?
DOC's Skippers brochure says rental cars are generally prohibited beyond Skippers Saddle. The track starts at the saddle, but the finish is further down Skippers Road.
Are dogs allowed on Atleys Track?
No. DOC does not allow dogs.
Is there a bus to Atleys Track?
No. The nearest Orbus stop, Arthurs Point (Coronet Hotels) on route 4, is about 4.7 km from Skippers Saddle.
Nearby walks
- Mt Dewar
2.5 km one way to the summit · 1 hour one way to the summit · Advanced tramping track
- Devils Creek
8.1 km one way · 6 hours one way · Advanced tramping track
- Morningstar Track
2 km one way, back the same way · 30 minutes one way · Walking track (DOC describes it as a short, easy walk)
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Sources: DOC, Atleys Track (opens in a new tab), DOC, Skippers area (alerts) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Queenstown day walks and bike trails brochure (April 2025) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Skippers: walks and tracks in the Shotover valley (brochure) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Devils Creek Track (access from Skippers Saddle) (opens in a new tab), OpenStreetMap (Nominatim), Skippers Saddle (opens in a new tab), Otago Regional Council, Orbus Queenstown GTFS (opens in a new tab), Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (28 August 2026, updated since) (opens in a new tab), Queenstown Lakes District Council, Closure to Skippers Bridge to remain in place until future notice (12 January 2026) (opens in a new tab) and DOC, Walking track categories (opens in a new tab), retrieved 18 September 2026. Distances, times and grades are the managing body's published figures; fit walkers are often quicker. Department of Conservation information is used under CC BY 4.0. Start coordinates: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). This independent guide is published by Tally Sphere Limited, a New Zealand company. Spotted a change? Report a problem with this page and the page address comes with your email.
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