Mount Dewar Summit Track

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The obvious highlight is, of course, the 360-degree panorama. To the south, you have the shimmering expanse of Lake Wakatipu and the jagged silhouette of The Remarkables. To the north, you look deep into the rugged backcountry of the Southern Alps. One of the most striking sights is the Shotover River, which you can see snaking its way through the deep, rocky canyons far below. From this height, the river looks like a turquoise ribbon woven into the landscape.

While the summit does host some telecommunications structures, they don't detract from the experience. In fact, they serve as a reminder of how high you’ve climbed. It’s easy to move around them to find the perfect angle for a photo that captures nothing but pure, unadulterated alpine wilderness.

A more subtle and moving highlight is found near the summit. Keep a close eye out for a small cross and a grave, which is widely believed by locals to belong to a beloved dog from years gone by. It’s a poignant little landmark that adds a layer of local character to the hike. It’s a quiet spot to sit for a moment and reflect on the history of the people—and animals—who have called these rugged hills home.

Getting There

Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. From Queenstown, head toward Arthurs Point and turn onto Coronet Peak Road. You’ll wind your way up the mountain, enjoying views of the valley below. After about 4.7km, look for the left-hand turn onto Skippers Road.

Follow Skippers Road for a short distance until you reach the Skippers Saddle car park. This is a small layby area that can typically fit about five cars, so arriving early during peak season is a good idea. You’ll see a large green Department of Conservation (DOC) sign—don’t be confused if it doesn’t say "Mount Dewar" in big letters; it often lists the Atleys and Devils Creek tracks instead, as Mount Dewar is the gateway to these longer routes.

A quick word of warning for those in rentals: while the car park is generally accessible, many rental car insurance policies strictly prohibit driving on the unsealed sections of Skippers Road beyond the saddle. The car park sits right at the transition point, so you should be fine, but always check your "fine print" before heading off.

Wildlife Spotting

The open tussock lands of Mount Dewar are a fantastic place to spot some of New Zealand’s unique birdlife. Because of the elevation and the proximity to the rugged mountains, you might even get lucky and see a Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. These birds are famously cheeky and intelligent, though they are only occasional visitors to this specific track.

More common is the New Zealand Pipit (Pīhoihoi), a streaky brown bird that loves the open ground and often flits along the track ahead of hikers. You’ll likely hear the friendly "cheep" of the Fantail (Pīwakawaka) and the high-pitched song of the Silvereye (Tauhou).

If you keep your eyes on the skies, you might spot the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea). Unlike the larger harrier hawks, the Falcon is smaller, faster, and much more aggressive in its flight patterns. Seeing one dive-bombing prey in the valley below is a sight you won't soon forget.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Mount Dewar Summit Track is best enjoyed in Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

• Spring: This is a magical time when the surrounding peaks are still capped with snow, providing a brilliant white contrast to the golden tussock.
• Summer: The long daylight hours make this a perfect "after-work" or late afternoon hike. However, the track is completely exposed, so the sun can be intense.
• Autumn: The air is crisp and clear, often providing the best visibility for those distant mountain views.

• Layers: Bring a windproof jacket and a warm mid-layer.
• Sun Protection: There is zero shade on this trail. Wear a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Water: There are no water sources along the way, so carry at least 1.5 litres per person.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended, as the 4WD track can be dusty in summer or slippery after rain.

Local & Regional Context

Mount Dewar and the surrounding Skippers area are steeped in gold mining history. In the 1860s, the Shotover River was known as the "Richest River in the World." Thousands of miners flocked to these hills, enduring incredibly harsh conditions in the hopes of striking it rich. When you look down into the canyon from the summit, try to imagine the sheer tenacity required to build roads and water races in such vertical, unforgiving terrain.

For Māori, the Otago high country was a place for seasonal resource gathering and a pathway for transporting pounamu (greenstone). The sense of scale and the ruggedness of the land here command a natural respect—a feeling that hasn’t changed in hundreds of years. Today, the area is part of a wider conservation effort to protect the native tussock ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

After the Walk

After you’ve descended and made the short drive back down Coronet Peak Road, there is no better place to refuel than Cargo at Gantley’s Pub & Cafe in Arthurs Point. Located just 4.5km from the trailhead, Gantley’s is Queenstown’s oldest hospitality business, housed in a stunning historic stone building.

In the summer, their large beer garden is the perfect place to sit back with a cold craft beer and a plate of "Pub Fare with Flair." In the winter, you can huddle near the roaring fireplaces with a hot coffee or a hearty brunch. It has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that welcomes dusty hikers and locals alike, making it the ideal "finish line" for your Mount Dewar adventure.

Xenicus gilviventris

This tiny, secretive wren is one of New Zealand's few true alpine birds, often found in high-altitude rockfalls and scree.

Best time: Year-round