Macetown 4WD road to Macetown Historic Reserve
The 15 km 4WD road up the Arrow River from Arrowtown to Macetown Historic Reserve, walked, ridden or driven, with 23 river crossings on the way.
Published 15 September 2026 · Last checked 18 September 2026 · By Queenstown Pocket
Key facts
Closed. The council's roading update, read on 18 September 2026, lists Macetown Road, Arrowtown, as closed because of multiple slips and washouts. DOC's alert, first published 2 September 2026, reports numerous and possibly unstable slips after the late August storm, with 4WD access closed, and the Shotover 4WD Club says the track stays closed until assessments and any repairs are done. No reopening date has been published. Checked 18 September 2026 on Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (Macetown Road) (opens in a new tab).
- Time
- 3 to 4 hours one way on foot; 1 to 2 hours one way by mountain bike
- Distance
- 15 km one way
- Track type
- One way
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Surface
- Rough, narrow 4WD road with 23 unbridged river crossings, steep drop-offs and blind corners
- Winter
- Not a winter walk
- Starts at
- Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, across the Bush Creek footbridge
- Bus
- Route 2 and Route 4 at Ramshaw Lane, 47, about 300 m from the start
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash at the DOC campsite; QEII asks for dogs under control on the covenant land
- Bikes
- Shared with bikes
- Toilets
- Non-flush toilets at the Macetown campsite
- Cost
- Free on foot or by bike; 4WD vehicles and motorbikes need a $40 permit per trip
In short: Macetown is a gold-rush ghost town 15 km up the Arrow River from Arrowtown by a rough 4WD road with 23 unbridged river crossings. DOC gives 3 to 4 hours each way on foot and 1 to 2 hours by mountain bike. The council has the road closed by slips and washouts after the late August 2026 storm.
What the track is like
Macetown was settled in the early 1860s after gold was found in the Arrow River and was a ghost town by the 1930s. Andersons Battery, Needhams Cottage and Smiths Bakehouse have been restored, and the Homeward Bound stamper battery can be reached from the reserve.
The road leaves Arrowtown across Bush Creek from the Chinese Settlement. Walkers and riders can take the Arrow Gorge Track to the Norman Smith footbridge instead; DOC notes narrow steps on the bridge and a highline on the river's true left at the next crossing. The managed-access gate is about 3 km from the start, 750 m uphill from the Scholes Tunnel turn-off, and walkers and cyclists pass through the squeeze barrier beside it.
Beyond the gate the road keeps crossing the Arrow River: DOC counts 23 unbridged crossings on a narrow track with steep drop-offs and blind corners, and says the road is not managed or maintained by DOC. The covenant map grades it Intermediate for walkers because of the crossings. From Eight Mile Creek onwards a narrow, exposed track marked with orange poles lets walkers keep their feet dry for the last few kilometres; DOC suggests less-confident riders walk that section or stay on the road.
Macetown Historic Reserve has a free DOC campsite, first come first served, with 36 non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets and stream water to boil. No fires at any time, and dogs on a leash. Macetown is also the start and finish of the Motatapu Track to Glendhu Bay near Wānaka, which DOC describes as a demanding alpine tramp for experienced parties.
Destination Queenstown gives 6 to 8 hours return on foot, so a day trip needs an early start and a firm turnaround time.
How to get to the start
Arrowtown is 20 km north of Queenstown off SH6 (DOC). Start from Butler Green by the Chinese Settlement; Orbus Routes 2 and 4 stop at Arrowtown (Ramshaw Lane), about 330 m away, $2.50 with a Bee Card. No public transport goes to Macetown.
Vehicles need a permit under the managed access system running since 1 April 2026: $40 per trip for a registered, warranted 4WD or motorbike, or a $100 annual pass for residents of the Queenstown Lakes District, issued online at permit.nzfwda.org.nz. DOC recommends a 4WD with off-road tyres, a snorkel and a winch, driven in daylight by someone experienced on this terrain; it takes about an hour each way. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders pay nothing.
- Start: Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, across the Bush Creek footbridge (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- Parking: Car park at Butler Green beside the Chinese Settlement
- From Queenstown: Arrowtown is 20 km north of Queenstown off SH6 (DOC)
- Finish: Macetown Historic Reserve campsite (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- From Queenstown: 15 km from Arrowtown (DOC)
- By bus: Orbus Routes 2 and 4 stop at Arrowtown (Ramshaw Lane), about 330 m from the start, $2.50 with a Bee Card; there is no Orbus stop anywhere near Macetown. Routes and fares are in the bus guide.
Is it open, and what is it like in winter?
Closed on 18 September 2026. The council's roading update, read on 18 September 2026, lists Macetown Road, Arrowtown, as closed because of multiple slips and washouts. DOC's alert, first published 2 September 2026, reports numerous and possibly unstable slips after the late August storm, with 4WD access closed, and the Shotover 4WD Club says the track stays closed until assessments and any repairs are done. No reopening date has been published. Check Queenstown Lakes District Council, Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes (Macetown Road) (opens in a new tab) on the day; conditions change quickly.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | The covenant map warns to avoid the road when the Arrow River is high or flooding is possible, and DOC says the river rises rapidly in rain. In September 2026 the council has the road closed by multiple slips and washouts from the late August storm. |
| Summer (December to February) | The usual season to walk or ride in, with lower water and long days, though DOC says the river still rises rapidly when it rains. The free campsite at Macetown makes an overnight trip possible. |
| Autumn (March to May) | Cooler, often settled days suit the trip, but the crossings still depend on recent rain. Check the forecast and turn back if the river is up. |
| Winter (June to August) | DOC says the Arrow River should not be accessed in the winter months. Cold water across 23 crossings and short days make this a summer trip. |
What to know before you go
- Closed now: the council lists Macetown Road as closed by multiple slips and washouts (read 18 September 2026), DOC's alert (first published 2 September 2026) reports numerous, possibly unstable slips with 4WD access closed, and the Shotover 4WD Club says the track stays closed until it has been assessed and repaired. Do not go in until the closure is lifted.
- Stay out when the Arrow River is high or rain is forecast, and in the winter months. DOC says the river can rise rapidly when it rains and should not be accessed in winter, and the covenant map warns against the road when flooding is possible; every crossing on the way in must be made again on the way out.
- Walkers and riders share the road with 4WD vehicles and motorbikes on narrow sections with blind corners. The permit system recommends UHF channel 15 on the road for anyone carrying a radio.
- The historic site is protected by law and removing any material is illegal (DOC).
- Check DOC's Macetown Historic Reserve alerts and the Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown Visitor Centre (+64 3 442 7935) for access and weather before setting out; DOC says the road is at times impassable to all traffic.
For emergencies call 111. The Queenstown safety guide covers the rest before a long or winter walk.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to walk to Macetown?
DOC gives 3 to 4 hours each way on foot for the 15 km from Arrowtown and 1 to 2 hours each way by mountain bike. Destination Queenstown gives 6 to 8 hours return on foot.
Is Macetown Road open right now?
No. The council lists Macetown Road as closed by multiple slips and washouts (read 18 September 2026), DOC's alert of 2 September 2026 reports numerous slips with 4WD access closed, and the Shotover 4WD Club says the track stays closed until assessments and repairs are done. No reopening date has been published.
How many river crossings are there on the way to Macetown?
DOC counts 23 unbridged crossings of the Arrow River. Walkers can use a highline at the crossing after the Norman Smith footbridge and a poled track from Eight Mile Creek to keep their feet dry.
Do you need a permit to go to Macetown?
Only for vehicles. Since 1 April 2026 a 4WD or motorbike needs a $40 permit per trip, or a $100 annual pass for Queenstown Lakes residents. Walkers and cyclists go through the squeeze barrier with no fee.
Can I camp at Macetown?
Yes. DOC's Macetown campsite is free and first come first served, with 36 non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets and stream water to boil. No fires, and dogs on a leash only.
Can you walk to Macetown in winter?
DOC says the Arrow River should not be accessed during the winter months, and it rises rapidly when it rains. Plan the trip for summer.
Can I drive to Macetown in a normal car?
No. DOC recommends a 4WD with off-road tyres, a snorkel and a winch, driven by someone experienced on this terrain, and vehicles need a $40 permit per trip.
Can I get to Macetown by bus?
Only to the start. Orbus Routes 2 and 4 stop at Arrowtown (Ramshaw Lane), about 330 m from the road end, $2.50 with a Bee Card; there is no bus to Macetown.
Nearby walks
- Arrow Gorge Track
1.5 km one way · 25 minutes one way (about 1 hour return) · Easy to intermediate walking track
- Big Hill Track
15.5 km return · 8 hours return · Intermediate/Advanced
- Chinese Settlement
Under 1 hour, at your own pace · Wheelchair accessible short walk
- Sawpit Gully loop
7.9 km loop · About 3 hours loop · Intermediate/Advanced
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Sources: DOC, Macetown Historic Reserve (and its alert: Macetown Road slips, first published 2 September 2026) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Macetown conservation campsite (opens in a new tab), DOC, Queenstown day walks and bike trails brochure (#23 Macetown 4WD road to Macetown Historic Reserve) (opens in a new tab), Mahu Whenua Covenant Tracks: Arrowtown Tracks map (QEII National Trust with QLDC, DOC, Queenstown Trails Trust and Walking Access) (opens in a new tab), NZFWDA, Macetown 4WD Track Managed Access System: project info (opens in a new tab), NZFWDA, Macetown 4WD Track Managed Access System: FAQs (opens in a new tab), Shotover 4WD Club, Macetown Access (closure notice) (opens in a new tab), QEII National Trust, Central Otago: Mahu Whenua (Macetown Rd permit system) (opens in a new tab), Destination Queenstown, Arrowtown Walks (opens in a new tab), DOC, Arrowtown area (distance from Queenstown) (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. 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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