Mt Crichton Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This well formed track features rivers, a waterfall, a historic hut/tunnel, native bush and views - plenty to keep kids interested.

This DOC directory entry covers Mt Crichton 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: 6.4 km loop
• Walking time: 2–3 hr
• 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.

• Bridge destroyed and slips on on Mt Crichton Loop Track; First published on 5 October 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.

Dog access

Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

A local favourite, this loop follows along sections of Twelve Mile Creek and passes through tawhairaunui /red beech in the gullies. As the track ascends, it passes through tawairauriki /mountain beech and mānuka.

The Twelve Mile Creek gorge was worked intensively by gold miners and signs of sluicing can still be seen.

A short side track below the historic Sam Summers Hut leads to an impressive rock fissure that was once used as a tail race. This popular historic hut (day use only) sits in the bush beside a waterfall and has been regularly repaired and maintained over its nearly 100-year history.

A popular option for families is to walk the one-hour track just to Sam Summers Hut & Waterfall. This is accessed from the left side of the loop track. (The true right of Twelve Mile Creek).

A link to the Lake Dispute Walkway is signposted on the ridge on the eastern side of the track.

It takes one hour to walk to Sam Summers Hut from the left side of the track (the true right of Twelve Mile Creek).

Getting there

The track starts from the Mt Crichton carpark 12 km from Queenstown on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road.

Know before you go

• Mountain biking is not permitted on this track and the link to Lake Dispute.

• There are old mine shafts and steep drop-offs along parts of the track.

• The bridge crossing the creek at the Māori Gully confluence was destroyed in a flood. Do not attempt to cross if creek is high and/or discoloured. Slips are present on track.

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.