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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.93572, 169.41160. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 15 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Bendigo area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk to an old mine entrance and a restored battery - there are other relics from gold mining days as well so plenty to keep kids entertained.
This DOC directory entry covers Come in Time Battery Walk in Otago, within Bendigo area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 15 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This walk takes you down to mine entrances and the battery that was part of the Come in Time claim. The battery has been restored and is a virtually complete example of this kind of heavy gold mining equipment.
It’s just a short walk to the battery but there are other interesting artefacts in the area, making it a good place for exploring and picnicking.
Getting there
You can get to the Rise and Shine Battery via Thomson Gorge Road, up and over the Dunstan Range from the Manuherikia Valley at Matakanui.
This is a four wheel drive road and should not be attempted in winter or in adverse conditions. The western end of this road provides access to Bendigo Township via Bendigo Creek or out via Ardgour Road and back on to SH8 at the Lindis River Bridge.
Further up Thomson Gorge Road you'll see the signposts for the walk to the Come in Time Battery.
Know before you go
Caution. There are old and very deep mining shafts throughout this area. Extreme care must be taken and children closely supervised.
Due to the harsh nature of the country and the threat of changeable conditions, care should be taken in this area. The climate can swing to either extreme in the course of a day. In winter the ranges are blanketed in snow, a complete contrast to the low humidity and very hot conditions of summer. Prepare for these extremes with suitable clothing and equipment: sun hat, sun screen, water, warm and water- and wind-proof clothing and suitable footwear.
When walking please ensure that you have a map and compass. The relevant NZTopo50 series map for this area is CB13 Tarras; available from the DOC office in Alexandra.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
