Sawpit Gully Track

Overview

A local classic just 20 minutes from Queenstown, this moderate loop packs a lot into roughly 4.8 miles total with about 1,300 feet of climbing. Expect a greatest‑hits mix of shady beech pockets, open tussock slopes, a slice of Arrow River gorge, and wide views toward Lake Hayes, the Remarkables, and the Wakatipu Basin. The route also threads through Arrowtown’s gold‑rush past, with remnants of water races, stone tailings, and a lone miner’s hut to spot along the way.

Route

Start from Arrowtown’s Butlers Green by the Historic Chinese Settlement and follow the Arrow River Trail. About 1.5 km in, take the signed left up Sawpit Gully; if you reach the Norman Smith Footbridge, you’ve gone too far. Anti‑clockwise is the preferred direction for a gentler, more sustained climb. The track climbs to a saddle between German Hill and Brow Peak, then descends through historic Sawpit Gully, passing the Big Hill Track junction before looping back to town. There’s a brief rock scramble near the turnoff and several small creek crossings. A shorter taste is possible as an out‑and‑back (about 2.4 miles total) turning around in the gully.

Difficulty and hazards

Rated moderate, with a few steep, rough sections and narrow benched bits with short drop‑offs that can rattle anyone uneasy with heights. Crossings are usually straightforward but run higher after rain. Expect mud and slick footing when wet, and icy patches in winter. Avoid poor weather—this track feels far less friendly when it’s sloppy or frozen.

Best time to hike

Year‑round with the right gear. Autumn shines here—comfortable temps and color in the gullies. Summer brings long light but little shade on the upper slopes; start early and bring sun protection and plenty of water. Spring can be wet and muddy after rain. Winter can be glorious and crisp, but ice on narrow sections ups the risk. It’s a popular loop—on weekends and holidays, arrive early for parking and a quieter track.

Logistics and tips

Park at Butlers Green, then use the Arrow River Trail connector to the Sawpit Gully turnoff; the mileage above includes the full loop. The track crosses private land—stay on the marked route. No dogs, and no bikes or motorbikes. Waterproof footwear pays off for the creeks; poles can be awkward on the narrow sidles. From the saddle, a rough, unmarked side trip up German Hill expands the views if you have the legs and conditions are stable.

What you’ll notice

Watch for beech forest pockets low down, tussock and open grass slopes higher up, and scattered gold‑mining relics in the gully—including a small stone hut on a terrace before the final climb.