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Bannockburn, Cromwell
30 km
9 hours
1500 metres
If you are looking for a challenge that truly tests your mettle while rewarding you with some of the most dramatic landscapes in Aotearoa, the Mt Difficulty Tracks loop is calling your name. Located in the heart of Bannockburn, just a stone's throw from Cromwell, this isn't just a walk in the park—it’s a full-day, 30-kilometre epic that demands respect, preparation, and a decent pair of lungs.
The journey begins at the Bannockburn Sluicings, where the ground is a labyrinth of man-made canyons and golden tailings left behind by 19th-century miners. From here, you’ll connect to the Long Gully Loop Track before branching off onto the Slapjack Saddle Track. This is where the real work begins. The trail transforms into a rugged, often steep, grassy 4WD track that wastes no time in gaining elevation. You’ll be climbing a total of 1500 metres over the course of the day, so pace yourself; the "Difficulty" in the name is well-earned.
As you ascend, the sheltered gullies of the lower slopes give way to the raw, exposed beauty of the Central Otago high country. The terrain is classic schist and tussock, glowing gold under the southern sun. Once you reach the ridgelines, you are truly in the elements. The trail follows the spine of the hills, leading you eventually to the summit of Mount Difficulty. Standing at the top, the sense of scale is immense. To one side, you have the deep carve of the Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston Valley; to the other, the vast expanse of the Cromwell Basin and the sparkling waters of Lake Dunstan.
It is a "big sky" experience. There is very little shelter here, and the environment feels ancient and unforgiving. The descent requires just as much concentration as the climb, with loose rock and steep gradients making for a technical finish to your nine-hour mission. It’s a true tramp in every sense of the word—demanding, solitary, and deeply rewarding.
The primary drawcard of this track is, without a doubt, the panoramic vistas. Central Otago is famous for its "big sky" landscapes, and there is no better vantage point than the summit of Mt Difficulty. From the top, you can track the path of the Clutha River and look out toward the distant, jagged peaks of the Doolan Mountains. On a clear day, the air is so crisp you feel like you could reach out and touch the Remarkables.
Parking is available at the Bannockburn Sluicings Carpark, located on Felton Road. This is a quiet dirt parking area, generally considered safe. From here, you can connect to various tracks, including the Long Gully Loop Track, which leads to the Mt Difficulty Track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Callipepla californica
An introduced species that has thrived in Central Otago, often seen in coveys foraging in shrubland and grassland.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
400m away
Known for its delicious food and wine, especially platters laden with homemade goodness, perfect for a relaxed afternoon with sweeping mountain and river views.
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Loop
For those with an eye for photography, the unique rock formations along the ridgeline provide a fantastic foreground against the backdrop of the golden hills. These schist tors, weathered by thousands of years of wind and ice, look like silent sentinels watching over the valley.
The historical element is another standout feature. Passing through the Bannockburn Sluicings at the start or end of your loop allows you to see the sheer scale of the Victorian-era gold mining operations. The "badlands" topography created by the water cannons is eerie and beautiful, especially in the low light of the morning or late afternoon. It’s a stark reminder of the grit and determination of the people who shaped this landscape over a century ago.
Reaching the trailhead is straightforward. From Cromwell, take the bridge over the arm of Lake Dunstan toward Bannockburn. Follow Bannockburn Road until you reach Felton Road. Turn here and continue for a short distance until you see the signs for the Bannockburn Sluicings Carpark.
The car park is a quiet, dirt area that is generally considered safe and reliable for day-trippers. From this central hub, several tracks branch out. You’ll want to start on the path toward the Long Gully Loop, which will eventually link you to the main Mt Difficulty ascent.
While the environment is harsh and dry, it is far from empty. The most common companion on your climb will be the New Zealand Pipit (pihoihoi). These small, streaky-brown birds are often seen darting along the 4WD tracks just ahead of your boots, flicking their tails as they go.
Keep your eyes on the sky for the Australasian Harrier (kāhu). These large birds of prey are a common sight in Central Otago, soaring effortlessly on the thermals as they hunt across the open tussock. In the lower, more scrub-filled sections of the track, you might hear the chattering of California Quail or the friendly "cheep" of a Fantail (pīwakawaka) following you through the gorse and briar.
If you’re lucky, you might spot a Grey Warbler (riroriro) or hear its delicate, trilling song in the more sheltered gullies. Because the terrain is so open, wildlife spotting is mostly about looking for movement against the tawny grass—keep your binoculars handy if you’re a keen birder!
Timing: Start as early as possible. Aim to be on the track by 7:00 am or 8:00 am. This allows you to knock out a good chunk of the elevation before the midday sun hits and ensures you aren't finishing in the dark.
Bannockburn is often described as a "heart of the desert" landscape, but it wasn't always this way. Before European arrival, the area was part of the vast seasonal hunting and gathering grounds for Māori, who travelled through the Cromwell Basin on their way to the pounamu (greenstone) rivers of the West Coast.
In the 1860s, the region was transformed by the Gold Rush. Miners flocked to the area, using high-pressure water to blast away the hillsides in search of gold. This process, known as sluicing, created the dramatic, scarred landscapes you see today. The Mt Difficulty area is a living museum of this colonial heritage.
Geologically, the area is part of the Otago Schist belt. The rock here is metamorphic, characterised by its silvery sheen and tendency to split into flat plates. This schist is the reason for the region's unique soil, which, combined with the extreme temperature shifts between day and night, makes it world-class territory for Pinot Noir grapes. You’ll see the lush vineyards lining the valley floor—a stark contrast to the wild, dry mountain you’ll be standing on.
After nine hours on your feet, you’ve earned a serious reward. Luckily, Bannockburn is home to some of the best hospitality in the country.
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
500m away
Enjoy delicious, fresh fare and iconic Central Otago wines with breathtaking panoramic views of Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin from their outdoor terrace or by a roaring fireplace in winter.
500m away
A local favourite offering hearty meals, including wild goat ragu, venison shanks, and their famous Black Rabbit pie, in a relaxed atmosphere.
600m away
Awarded Best Regional Restaurant, offering creative, modern small sharing plates with European and Latin American influences, complemented by an extensive wine list and stunning views.