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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: -45.05521, 168.54645. 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
- 1 hr 30 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Queenstown area
- Seasonal restrictions
- Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
- 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
Zigzag up through kōhūhū/pittosporum shrubland to Lake Dispute high country lake.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Dispute Walkway in Otago, within Queenstown 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: 1 hr 30 min return
- 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.
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track zigzags up through kōhūhū/pittosporum shrubland to Lake Dispute. This high country lake is also an option for trout fishing.
There is a link to the Mt Crichton Loop Track at the southern end of the lake, offering views above Lake Dispute and across to Lake Wakatipu. The link takes about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, the track continues along the lake and connects with the Lake Dispute to Moke Lake Track.
Mountain biking
The steep single track from the Glenorchy Road to Lake Dispute is classed as Advanced. Beyond this point, the track is classed as Intermediate.
Mountain biking is not permitted on the link track from Lake Dispute to Mt Crichton Loop track.
Note: This track passes through private land.
Getting there
The track is signposted on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road, 1.4 km beyond Wilson Bay. There is a small carpark on the left hand side of the road opposite the track signposted on the right hand side of the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road.
Take extra care when parking
During the summer months, accessing car parking sites along the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road can be very busy.
Extreme caution is required. It is not recommended to park along the roadside or reverse out onto the road as the high-flow of traffic is going at speed.
Visiting outside of peak times (in the morning or early evening) may make the parking at this site easier.
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.
