Mt Difficulty tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Enjoy fantastic views of Gibbston Valley and Cromwell basin along the way, and out to the Doolan mountains from the top.

This DOC directory entry covers Mt Difficulty tracks 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: 30 km | 33 km | 38 km one way
• Walking time: 1 day
• 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.

Seasonal restrictions

No exit or entry via Long Gully Loop Track from 1 October to 30 November due to lambing.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Mt Difficulty Track (16 km, 4 hr) branches off the Slapjack Saddle Track. It's a steep track that follows a mostly rough grassy 4WD track. Good route finding and map reading is required.

Loop option

Distance: 33 km

From Felton Road car park, follow Bannockburn Sluicings Track, Long Gully Loop Track, up Slapjack Saddle Track to Slapjack Saddle. From the saddle, follow Mt Difficulty Track clockwise and return to Felton Road car park.

Note, this option isn't possible from 1 October to 30 November when the Long Gully Loop Track is closed for lambing.

One-way option

Distance: 30 km

From Young Australian Historic Reserve Road, follow Slapjack Saddle Track to the Slapjack Saddle. From the saddle, follow Mt Difficulty Track until it rejoins the Slapjack Saddle Track. Continue on to the Felton Road car park on the Long Gully Loop Track and Bannockburn Sluicings Track.

Note, this option isn't possible from 1 October to 30 November when the Long Gully Loop Track is closed for lambing.

Return option

Distance: 38 km

From Young Australian Historic Reserve Road, follow Slapjack Saddle Track to the Slapjack Saddle. From the saddle, follow Mt Difficulty Track to Mt Difficulty. Return via the same track.

Note, this is the only option when the Long Gully Loop Track is closed for lambing from 1 October to 30 November.

Mountain biking

It's recommended to ride clockwise from Slapjack Saddle.

Getting there

The loop option starts from Felton Road, 8 km south-west of Cromwell.

The one-way and return options start from Young Australian Historic Reserve Road, off Nevis Road, about 60 km from Garston.

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.