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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: -45.08374, 169.12963. 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
- 11 km loop
- Walking time
- 3-4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Bannockburn area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The track is closed for lambing 1 October – 30 November each year.
- 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
Weave your way through dramatic rock bluffs to the Long Gully Bluffs Conservation Area to get fantastic views of Lake Dunstan and the St Bathans Range - it's a steep but rewarding climb.
This DOC directory entry covers Long Gully Loop Track in Otago, within Bannockburn 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: 11 km loop
- Walking time: 3-4 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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.
- Lambing closure for Long Gully Loop Track; First published on 5 October 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
The track is closed for lambing 1 October – 30 November each year.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The length and distance of the track includes the Bannockburn Sluicings Track.
The beginning of the Long Gully Loop Track goes through the ruins of Stewart Town, an old mining village. The track takes you through farmland up to dramatic rock bluffs.
The eastern part of the loop is on a formed 4WD track. As you climb the dramatic views of the Lake Dunstan and the St Bathans Range unfolds. The track cuts through the northern corner of the conservation area where grey shrubland and kowhai nestles among the dramatic rock bluffs.The track climbs to a height of 450 m and is steep and rocky in places.
Long Gully Loop track also provides access to Slapjack Saddle Track and Mt Difficulty Track.
Getting there
From Felton Road, walk up the Bannockburn Sluicing Track for 2 km and turn off to Long Gully Loop Track at Stewart Town.
Know before you go
Most of the tracks in this area cross private property - stay on the tracks and roads and leave gates as you find them.
This is a very dry area with no water on the tracks - take water with you.
There are no designated campsites or huts in this area - do not camp on private land.
Remember that all rocks, historic artefacts (including earth and stone works), native plants and animals are protected on public land - tread carefully and take only photos.
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.
