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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: -45.40574, 170.77456. 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
- 2.5 km from campsite return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Moeraki area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The gate to the campsite is closed to vehicles during winter because of wet conditions. You can still access the tracks and campsite on foot.
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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
A tramping track with sea views and some large podocarp trees. This is the longest track at Trotters Gorge.
This DOC directory entry covers Trotters Gorge Track in Otago, within Moeraki 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: 2.5 km from campsite return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr return
- 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.
- Trotters Gorge Campsite gate closed to vehicles; First published on 23 April 2026. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
The gate to the campsite is closed to vehicles during winter because of wet conditions. You can still access the tracks and campsite on foot.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This loop track starts on Trotters Cave Walk. Follow Trotters Cave Walk beside a tributary of the Trotters Creek through native broadleaf forest and to a set of river sculpted caves.
Trotters Gorge Track then climbs up through kanuka forest and onto the bluffs for great views out to sea.
The track then descends into native broadleaf forest and dry creek beds before rejoining the Trotters Cave Walk. Some large podocarp trees still remain. At night, glowworms can be seen at certain points along this track.
Getting there
This track starts at the Trotters Gorge Campsite.
From Moeraki: turn off SH1 onto Horse Range Road around 2.4 km south of Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki. After 4.2 km turn Trotters Gorge Road and follow this for a short distance to the end.
From Palmerston: turn off SH 1 onto Horse Range Road on the outskirts of Palmerston. Follow this for around 11 km, then turn onto Trotters Gorge Road and follow this for a short distance to the end.
Know before you go
This track is mostly well formed but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. There are some unbridged stream crossings – take care.
Nature and conservation
This is a great place to see and hear many of New Zealand’s bush birds. Listen out for NZ falcon/karearea calling overhead. Also, look out for native fish (galaxiids) in the streams.
The caves and cliffs are a greywacke-breccia conglomerate and were formed after the last ice age 12 - 15,000 years ago. More information on the local geology: Trotters Gorge Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.
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.
