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Camp at Moke Lake

Ben Lomond, New Zealand

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4.3 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Maggie Evans

Moke Lake is a short drive away from busy Queenstown and makes a perfect escape for those wanting to get away from the crowds to enjoy the outdoors. You can run, bike or hike around the lake, or opt to paddle board, kayak or swim in the lake, or just pitch a tent or camp chair and enjoy the views. It's great for families and groups as well as individuals.

The drive to Moke Lake from Queenstown is only 14km but it takes about 30 minutes since you're on a dirt road for a good portion of it. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the campground that's on the southeast end of the lake. Once you're there, finding the ~7km track that loops around the lake is pretty straightforward if you start it counter-clockwise. Just head down to the water and start walking along its edge, and within the first 500m or so you'll cross over a little wooden boardwalk and after that the well-formed trail just gently undulates along the east side of the lake. At the north end of the lake you'll go over 2 stiles to stay on the loop track, which is well signed, but you can also opt to walk to Lake Dispute as an out-and-back (~2hrs one way). After coming down along the hillier west side of the lake, the track eventually brings you to a stile and you'll find yourself on the road you drove in on. You can try to stay near the water, but it's a lot easier to make your way back to the start by following the road.

If you're interested in finding other walks in the area, then here's a helpful link: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/wakatipu_trails_map.pdf

For camping, the campground is $10 a person per night and managed by the NZ department of conservation.

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Features

Stand Up Paddle
Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Camp at Moke Lake Reviews

This campground is far nicer than the other one ran by the New Zealand DOC near Queenstown! I stayed at both for several night each and Moke Lake was far more peaceful, the area was cleaner, and there were far less people. By far the cheapest place to stay near Queenstown. If you happen to have a campervan rental check and see if they offer a camping pass for the DOC sites and it's only $20 per person for a week of camping!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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