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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: -44.72743, 168.46405. 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
- 4.5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr return via same track
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Glenorchy 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
Built by miners in the 1880s, the Invincible Mine Track is an uphill walk that offers wonderful views of the Rees Valley and Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi.
This DOC directory entry covers Invincible Mine Track in Otago, within Glenorchy 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: 4.5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr return via same track
- 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 track was built by miners in the 1880s. It climbs steadily, first through beech forest rich with native bird life, later through Manuka. Stunning views of the Rees Valley and Mt Earnslaw/ Pikirakatahi await at the top.
You’ll find well preserved historic mining equipment, including the remains of the water wheel and a unique set of seven berdans: Large slowly revolving cast iron bowls that ground the ore. Spare a thought for the men and horses who transported the equipment up the same track you have just walked up!
Getting there
30 minutes drive up Rees Valley Road from Glenorchy. The road is gravel with fords.
Know before you go
Stay behind safety barriers
For your safety and to protect our historic heritage, do not climb on the historic equipment.
Do not climb behind the mesh barrier closing off the old mine shaft – there is a deep vertical shaft behind it.
No camping
Camping is prohibited at Invincible Mine Historic Reserve at all times.
Adverse weather
The track heads above the bushline where it is exposed and weather conditions can change quickly at all times of year.
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
