Moke Lake Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

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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 information

Location source

DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.

Reference point: -45.00461, 168.56673. 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: 6 km loop
Walking time: 2-3 hr loop
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

This popular walk takes you on a loop around the lake. Superb views are on offer as you travel through grassland surrounded by mountains.

This DOC directory entry covers Moke Lake Loop Track 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: 6 km loop
Walking time: 2-3 hr loop
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

This popular undulating walk takes you on a full loop around the lake. A short boardwalk at the southern end of the lake protects an important wetland.

Mountain biking

Due to erosion, mountain biking is no longer allowed on either side of the peninsula. Bikers should travel on the western side of the lake.

Getting there

From Queenstown, drive along Glenorchy-Queenstown Rad for about 10 minutes then take the turnoff to Moke Lake Rd. Drive this steep and windy road until you reach an unsealed gravel road. Drive for about 8 kilometres, passing the smaller Lake Kirpatrick, before you arrive at Moke Lake Reserve, where you can start the track.

Know before you go

No mountain biking on the peninsula

Part of the Moke Lake Loop track is not suitable for bikes due to erosion.

Biking is not permitted on the peninsula, or the track sections either side of it, on the far side of the lake from the Moke Lake campsite.

The section is clearly marked and bikers must follow all signage.

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.