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Mossburn
186 km
240 hours
2680 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true "slow travel" experience that takes you deep into the soul of the South Island, the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail offers a perspective of New Zealand that few get to see from the window of a car. While its name suggests it is strictly for those on two wheels, this 186-kilometre journey is increasingly being discovered by intrepid hikers seeking a long-distance, multi-day epic.
The journey typically begins with one of the most iconic commutes in the country: a trip across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Stepping off the boat, you aren't just starting a hike; you’re stepping back in time. The trail leads you away from the hustle of the tourism capital and into the vast, silent reaches of the Von Valley.
The terrain here is a captivating mix of wide, well-graded gravel paths and occasional sections of public backroads. Because it was designed as a "Great Ride" for cyclists, the underfoot conditions are generally smooth, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a walk in the park. Spanning 186 kilometres with a cumulative elevation gain of 2,680 metres, this is an expert-level undertaking due to the sheer endurance required and the remoteness of the middle sections.
You will experience a profound sense of isolation as you traverse the golden tussock lands, framed by the jagged peaks of the Eyre Mountains. The trail semi-circles this range, known to Māori as Taka Ra Haka, which poetically translates to "where the sun dances on the mountain tops." As you move south toward Mossburn and Lumsden, the rugged high country softens into the lush, rolling green pastures of Northern Southland. You’ll walk alongside the sparkling waters of the Oreti and Mataura Rivers, cross historic bridges, and follow the ghosts of old railway lines. It is a walk of immense scale, quiet beauty, and a deep, rhythmic connection to the land.
The Around The Mountains Cycle Trail is packed with "pinch-me" moments, but a few stand out as absolute essentials for your photo gallery:
Parking is available in the various towns along the trail, including Mossburn, Lumsden, Athol, Garston, and Kingston. For those starting from the Walter Peak end, parking is available in Queenstown, followed by a ferry transfer to the trailhead.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
A charming cafe and gift shop offering simple, tasty homemade food, great coffee, and famous venison pies, with indoor or alfresco dining. Provides free WiFi and tourist information.
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Point to point
Because this is a point-to-point trail, logistics require some forward planning. Most hikers choose to start from the Walter Peak end. To get there, you’ll need to catch a ferry or the TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu. This serves as a magnificent "curtain raiser" for the adventure ahead.
Since the trail is 186km long, many hikers arrange for a shuttle service to drop them at one end or transport their heavy luggage between accommodation stops, allowing them to walk with a lighter day pack.
The trail passes through a variety of habitats, from alpine scrub to dense beech forest and river flats, making it a fantastic route for birdwatchers.
Tip: The best time for bird activity is the "dawn chorus" just as the sun rises, particularly in the forested sections near the lakes.
Note: This trail is not suitable for dogs or young children due to the long distances, remote nature, and sections that share the route with public roads.
The area surrounding the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail is steeped in history. For Ngāi Tahu (the local Māori iwi), these valleys were traditional pathways (ara tawhito) used to access pounamu (greenstone) resources and seasonal hunting grounds. The Eyre Mountains, or Taka Ra Haka, remain a significant cultural landmark.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived, establishing massive high-country sheep stations like Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas. You are walking through a landscape that has been worked by generations of farming families. The trail also celebrates the golden age of New Zealand railways. The section between Lumsden and Kingston follows the route of the old railway line that once connected these isolated rural communities to the rest of the country.
Today, the trail is a testament to community spirit and conservation, showcasing Southland’s commitment to sharing its "backyard" with the world while preserving the quiet, rugged character of the land.
After 186 kilometres, you’ll have worked up a legendary appetite. The small towns along the southern half of the trail are famous for their southern hospitality.
Whether you tackle the full 186km in one go or break it into smaller bites, the Around The Mountains trail is a journey that stays with you long after the dust has settled on your boots.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica australis
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.
Best time: Year-round
600m away
Offers great food, lovely coffee, and friendly service, with a menu ranging from pies to pancakes and packaged hot meals. Features casual dining with breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.
700m away
A traditional country pub offering New Zealand cuisine, including pizza, with a cosy atmosphere. A good spot for a cold beverage and a meal after a day on the trail.