Macetown Historic Reserve

Historic alluvial and quartz gold mining area to the west of Cardrona, centred on the upper reaches of the Arrow River. An historic village remains, presented like a classic gold mining ghost town, after restoration activities in the 2000s. As well as the usual remnants of domestic and retail activities, a 45 minute walk from Macetown leads to the remains of "the only all metal stamping battery" left in New Zealand.

The high point in the district is called Mt Hyde, the rest is ridges and valleys without much vegetation.
Accessible via an unsealed road up the Arrow river towards the gorge, the conditions quite authentic for a pioneering gold mining area in that the road crosses the river 23 times and is sometimes unuseable and definitely better suited to 4WD vehicles. Other ways in are by helicopter, on foot, by cycle or horseback.
Some guided and unguided adventures can be had in here. Mountain biking is gaining popularity.
The DoC Campsite is basic and at the site of the former mining village.

This track is part of Te Araroa.

SMALL GROUP HISTORICAL 4WD TOUR OF MACETOWN FROM QUEENSTOWN

Image Credits Te Papa; Macetown, Otago, NZ, 1876-1885, Clutha-Central Otago, by William Hart, Hart, Campbell & Co. Purchased 1943, Macetown, 1870-1880s, Otago, by Burton Brothers studio, Premier Gully - Macetown, 1870-1880s, Otago, by Burton Brothers studio.