Heather Jock Loop Track
The steep upper extension of the Judah Track above Glenorchy, zigzagging up an old mining road to Heather Jock Hut and back past Bonnie Jean Hut.
Published 15 September 2026 · Last checked 18 September 2026 · By Queenstown Pocket
Key facts
Open, with cautions. DOC lists the loop as open, and its alert feeds for the loop and for Heather Jock Hut were empty on 18 September 2026. DOC does not recommend the Whakaari tracks in the winter months, says avalanches in the Wakatipu usually occur from May to November, and warns that snow and ice are possible at any time of year. Checked 18 September 2026 on DOC, Heather Jock Loop Track (alerts show on this page) (opens in a new tab).
- Time
- 7 to 8 hours return from the car park; the loop alone is 1 hour 30 minutes from Bonnie Jean Hut
- Distance
- 17 km return from the car park, including the 3.3 km loop
- Track type
- Return the same way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Surface
- Old mining road that zigzags steeply to Heather Jock Hut, then a marked sidle back down; reached on the Judah Track
- Winter
- Not a winter walk
- Starts at
- Whakaari Conservation Area car park, via the Judah Track
- Bus
- No Orbus stop within 1.2 km of the start
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Bikes
- Bikes allowed
- Toilets
- Non-flush toilet at Heather Jock Hut
- Cost
- Free, including Heather Jock Hut (3 bunks, first come, first served)
In short: Heather Jock Loop Track is a 3.3 km DOC advanced tramping loop above Glenorchy, reached on the Judah Track. From the Whakaari Conservation Area car park, 2 km before Glenorchy, DOC's brochure gives 17 km and 7 to 8 hours return, climbing a steep old mining road to three-bunk Heather Jock Hut.
What the track is like
Heather Jock Hut is a free three-bunk hut, first come, first served. DOC describes the Whakaari Conservation Area as historic huts and mining relics, including the aerial cableway from Bonnie Jean Hut, set among tussock-covered mountains with views toward Lake Wakatipu, the Dart River and the Humboldt Mountains.
Start on the Judah Track from the Whakaari Conservation Area car park, past the Glenorchy Scheelite Battery and the State Mine. DOC's loop page puts Bonnie Jean Hut 2 hours 30 minutes from the car park; that hut is for day use only.
Above Bonnie Jean Hut the marked route climbs an old mining road in steep switchbacks to Heather Jock Hut, then contours back across the slope to Bonnie Jean Hut and descends to where the old road ends. DOC measures the loop at 3.3 km and 1 hour 30 minutes from Bonnie Jean Hut and grades it an advanced tramping track; its brochure says this section is only suitable for experienced trampers.
Return down the Judah Track. DOC's brochure gives the whole outing from the car park as 17 km and 7 to 8 hours return. Bonnie Jean Hut is the place to turn around if cloud, wind or snow comes in before the zigzags.
Heather Jock Hut is a basic hut with 3 bunks and mattresses, a non-flush toilet and a tank tap, free and first come, first served. DOC lists the loop with a Grade 3 (intermediate) mountain bike rating.
How to get to the start
Drive toward Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and turn right 2 km before the town into the Whakaari Conservation Area car park, then follow the Judah Track to the start of the loop (DOC). Glenorchy is 48 km from Queenstown on DOC's figure.
There is no Orbus stop within walking distance: the nearest, Atley Rd on Route 4, is about 25 km away in a straight line. The council lists the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road as reopened after the late August 2026 storm (roading update read 18 September 2026).
- Start: Whakaari Conservation Area car park, via the Judah Track (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- Parking: Whakaari Conservation Area car park, with an information shelter at the start of the Judah Track (DOC)
- From Queenstown: 2 km before Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road (DOC); Glenorchy is 48 km from Queenstown (DOC brochure)
- By bus: There is no Orbus stop within walking distance of the start: the nearest, Atley Rd on Route 4, is about 25 km away in a straight line. 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. DOC lists the loop as open, and its alert feeds for the loop and for Heather Jock Hut were empty on 18 September 2026. DOC does not recommend the Whakaari tracks in the winter months, says avalanches in the Wakatipu usually occur from May to November, and warns that snow and ice are possible at any time of year. Check DOC, Heather Jock Loop Track (alerts show on this page) (opens in a new tab) on the day; conditions change quickly.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | September to November is still inside DOC's usual May to November avalanche period for the Wakatipu, and DOC warns snow and ice are possible at any time of year on these exposed tracks. Do not go into avalanche terrain without the training and gear DOC lists. |
| Summer (December to February) | The most practical season, but DOC warns of changeable weather, strong winds and extreme temperatures at any time of year. Hut tanks may have water but DOC does not guarantee it, and stream water is contaminated, so carry all you need. |
| Autumn (March to May) | No autumn closure is published, but a 7 to 8 hour day gets tight as daylight shortens, and DOC's usual avalanche period begins in May. |
| Winter (June to August) | DOC does not recommend the Whakaari tracks during the winter months or in unfavourable conditions. |
What to know before you go
- Advanced tramping track: DOC's category expects moderate to high fitness, backcountry experience, navigation, river crossing and survival skills, and tramping boots. Its brochure says the loop is only suitable for experienced trampers.
- Alpine and exposed: DOC says changeable weather, extreme temperatures, strong winds, snow and ice are possible at any time of year, and does not recommend the Whakaari tracks in winter or in unfavourable conditions.
- Avalanches in the Wakatipu usually occur from May to November, according to DOC. If you go into avalanche terrain, DOC says to have avalanche training, check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory, and go with a buddy, each carrying and knowing how to use a transceiver, shovel and probe.
- Carry all your water. DOC says historic mining has left arsenic and heavy metals in Whakaari streams that filtering or boiling does not remove, and hut tank water is not guaranteed; if you do use the Heather Jock Hut tap, DOC lists it as untreated and says to boil it.
- Mine tunnels may be hidden by vegetation: do not enter them. DOC also warns of steep drop-offs and streams that flood after rain or snowmelt.
- Leave your intentions with a trusted contact and carry a distress beacon, as DOC advises, and take NZTopo50 map sheet CB10. DOC's brochure says mobile coverage is limited to Glenorchy township.
For emergencies call 111. The Queenstown safety guide covers the rest before a long or winter walk.
Questions people ask
How long does the Heather Jock loop take?
DOC's brochure gives 7 to 8 hours and 17 km return from the Whakaari Conservation Area car park, using the Judah Track both ways. The 3.3 km loop itself is 1 hour 30 minutes from Bonnie Jean Hut.
Where does the Heather Jock Loop Track start?
Park at the Whakaari Conservation Area car park, 2 km before Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, and follow the Judah Track to Bonnie Jean Hut, where the loop begins.
Can I stay at Heather Jock Hut?
Yes. It is a free basic hut with 3 bunks, first come, first served, with no bookings. Bonnie Jean Hut, lower down, is for day use only.
Is there water at Heather Jock Hut?
The hut has a tank tap, but DOC says tank water is not guaranteed and stream water in Whakaari is contaminated by historic mining. Carry all the water you need.
Is the Heather Jock loop suitable for beginners?
No. DOC grades it an advanced tramping track and its brochure says it is only suitable for experienced trampers.
Can you do the Heather Jock loop in winter?
DOC does not recommend the Whakaari tracks in the winter months. It says avalanches in the Wakatipu usually occur from May to November and snow and ice are possible at any time of year.
Are dogs or bikes allowed on the Heather Jock loop?
No dogs. DOC lists the loop with a Grade 3 (intermediate) mountain bike rating.
Nearby walks
- Mt Judah Track
13.4 km return · 4 to 6 hours return · Intermediate
- Glenorchy Walkway
3.2 km loop, with a larger and a smaller option (Destination Queenstown) · 1 to 2 hours, depending on pace and which loop · Easy to intermediate walking track
- Invincible Mine
4.5 km return · 3 hours return · Easy to intermediate
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Sources: DOC, Heather Jock Loop Track (opens in a new tab), DOC, Heather Jock Hut (opens in a new tab), DOC, Judah Track (opens in a new tab), DOC, Whakaari Conservation Area (opens in a new tab), DOC, The head of Whakatipu Waimāori (Lake Wakatipu) brochure (June 2024) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Walking track categories (opens in a new tab), DOC, Mountain bike track grades (opens in a new tab), OpenStreetMap (Nominatim), Bonnie Jean Hut (opens in a new tab) and Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (28 August 2026, updated since) (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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