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Key facts
- Distance
- 18 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 7 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ross area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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 walk follows a rough and unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Greenland Track in West Coast, within Ross 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: 18 km return via same track
- Walking time: 7 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The walk follows a very rough and unmaintained road to the to the top of Mount Greenland. The road is a steady incline and mostly follows a historic miner’s pack track.
It passes through tall rimu forest. There are several changes in vegetation type as your altitude increases. On a clear day, the tussock covered tops offer great views in all directions
Beyond the summit the road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village. Visiting the village site will add several hours to the journey and is not recommended as a day hike.
Mountain biking
Mount Greenland is a challenging ride. The track is very boggy in places and some sections can be extremely slippery when wet.
Four wheel driving
The road to the top of Mount Greenland is a real challenge and very boggy in places.
Getting there
Park at the carpark by the Ross Goldfields and Information and Heritage Centre, at the southern end of Aymler Street. Ross township is 30 km south of Hokitika on SH6.
From here follow the track for around 200m to join up with the Mount Greenland Road (gravel). Continue on this to the summit
Know before you go
You should carry warm clothing, a raincoat and take plenty of food and water for the journey. Strong shoes or tramping boots are recommended and the walk is suitable for those with a medium to good level of fitness.
Note: Beyond the summit, the road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mount Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is not recommended as a day walk.
Gold fossicking
Ross has an extensive gold mining history. Relics of the gold rush are apparent throughout the Historic Goldfields area.
Jones Creek, next to the Mount Greenland Road, is where you can fossick for gold. Signs on site show the area and the fossicking rules that apply
Call in and ask at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre for further information.
You can only fossick for gold in designated areas. Only hand-held tools are allowed. More on gold fossicking areas and rules.
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.
