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Glenorchy
4.5 km
3 hours
450 metres
If you are looking for a hike that perfectly balances rugged history with "stop-in-your-tracks" scenery, the Invincible Gold Mine Track needs to be at the top of your Glenorchy bucket list. Nestled in the spectacular Rees Valley, about a 30-minute drive from the Glenorchy township, this trail is a rewarding 4.5km return journey that punches well above its weight class in terms of views and heritage.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a visitor wanting to see the "real" Otago beyond the tourist hubs, this walk offers a tangible connection to New Zealand’s pioneering spirit. It is a moderate climb, making it a fantastic option for families with energetic kids, though do keep in mind that your four-legged friends will have to stay home as dogs are not permitted.
The adventure begins before you even lace up your boots. The drive into the Rees Valley is a quintessential Kiwi experience, following a gravel road that winds deeper into the mountains. Once you’ve parked up and crossed the ford on foot, you’ll find the track well-marked and ready to lead you upward.
The Invincible Gold Mine Track is an out-and-back route that wastes no time getting down to business. From the valley floor, the path strikes a steady, uphill pose. You’ll initially find yourself enveloped in a lush canopy of native beech forest. The air here is often cool and damp, smelling of moss and ancient earth. As you climb, the forest transitions into mānuka scrub, and the track remains well-formed but consistently steep.
Don't let the 450-metre elevation gain intimidate you; the zig-zagging nature of the path helps take the sting out of the ascent. About midway up, keep an eye out for a fascinating relic of the past: a rotating convex table. It looks like something out of a steampunk novel, but it was actually a clever piece of 19th-century engineering used to separate gold ore from the surrounding rock.
As you gain height, the "wow" moments start to stack up. The forest occasionally parts like a curtain to reveal the sprawling Rees Valley below, with the braided river snaking through the golden tussock flats. Looking across the valley, the massive, glacier-crowned silhouette of Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi dominates the skyline. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget your burning calves for a moment.
Parking is available on Rees Valley Road before the second (and largest) ford. The track starts immediately after crossing this ford on foot. The road is gravel and has several fords, so drive with care.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
23.5km away
A charming general store offering delicious homemade pies, wraps, cakes, and excellent coffee. Known for its 'Full Monty' gelato sundae and a selection of local crafts and groceries, perfect for pre- or post-hike refreshments.
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Out and back
The track eventually brings you to the historic mine site itself, which feels like a natural amphitheatre perched high above the world. For those with a bit of extra puff left, you can continue past the main machinery onto an unmarked track toward Invincible Creek. You can even scramble up the "tailings"—the mounds of leftover rock from the mining process—for an even more expansive view of the alpine wilderness. Just be careful here, as the gravel is loose and the drop-offs are steep.
The Invincible Gold Mine Track is essentially an open-air museum. The standout feature is undoubtedly the set of seven berdans. These are large, revolving cast-iron bowls that were used to grind gold-bearing quartz. This is considered the most complete set of berdans remaining in New Zealand, and seeing them sitting silently in the mountainside is incredibly evocative.
Nearby, you’ll find the impressive remains of a water wheel, which once powered the entire operation. Standing next to these heavy iron relics, you can’t help but marvel at the sheer grit of the 1880s miners. They didn't have helicopters or modern roads; every piece of this machinery had to be hauled up these steep slopes by horse, bullock, and human muscle.
Beyond the history, the scenic viewpoints are world-class. The juxtaposition of the rusted, industrial machinery against the pristine, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps creates some of the best photo opportunities in the region. If you make it above the bushline, the panoramic views of the Rees Valley are nothing short of breathtaking.
To get to the trailhead, head north from Glenorchy toward the Rees Valley Road. It’s about a 23km drive, mostly on gravel. While the road is generally well-maintained, it does feature several fords (river crossings).
Important Parking Tip: Unless you are in a high-clearance 4WD and are experienced with river crossings, it is highly recommended to park your vehicle in the area provided before the second, largest ford. From there, it’s a simple matter of taking your boots off (or braving wet feet!) to cross the water on foot. Once across, turn right, and you’ll see the track entrance clearly marked.
The forest sections of the track are a haven for native birdlife. Because the area is part of the Otago Goldfields Park and benefits from local conservation efforts, the birdsong can be quite loud on a still day.
The Invincible Gold Mine was established in the early 1880s and was one of the few quartz mines in the area to actually turn a decent profit for its shareholders. It represents a fascinating chapter of the Otago Gold Rush, where the focus shifted from simple panning in creeks to complex industrial underground mining.
The area also holds deep significance for Māori. Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi is a sacred peak, and the Rees Valley was part of the traditional routes used by Ngāi Tahu for gathering pounamu (greenstone) and hunting moa. When you walk this track, you are following in the footsteps of centuries of human endeavour, from ancient travellers to hopeful miners.
Once you’ve descended and made the drive back toward Glenorchy, you’ll definitely have earned a treat.
The Invincible Gold Mine Track is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through time in one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand. Whether you're there for the gears or the glaciers, it’s a walk that stays with you long after you've cleaned the mud off your boots.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Mohoua ochrocephala
Also known as the yellowhead, this small, insect-eating bird is a threatened species unique to the South Island forests.
Best time: Year-round
23.7km away
A classic Kiwi pub offering hearty gastro-pub fare, a wide selection of local beers on tap, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for a substantial meal after a day on the trails.
23.8km away
A popular spot offering authentic Italian coffee, fresh baked goods, and cabinet food during the day. Their adjoining Tap House serves New Zealand tap beers, wines, and delicious burgers, perfect for a relaxed evening.