Attraction
Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown's gondola climbs from the top of Brecon Street to Bob's Peak, where a viewing complex, restaurant, café and two luge tracks look over Lake Wakatipu.
Moke Lake
A quiet mountain-ringed lake a short drive from Queenstown, with an easy two to three-hour loop track, a DOC campsite and calm water for paddling.
At a glance
- Type
- Lake, loop walk and campsite
- Area
- Closeburn, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Official site
- doc.govt.nz
Good to know
- Free
- DOC campsite
- Loop track
- Boardwalk
Why we recommend it
Moke Lake is a small lake in a basin of grassland and mountains, inland from the Glenorchy road and only a short drive from Queenstown, yet it feels much further from town than it is. Ngāi Tahu know the lake by the names Punamāhaka and Waikāmāhaka, both meaning twin waters, which describes its shape. The English name is more homely: the lake and Moke Creek were named after an old mule on a nearby farm.
Getting there is part of the experience. From Queenstown, drive along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road for about ten minutes, then turn onto Moke Lake Road. It is steep and winding and soon becomes an unsealed gravel road, which you follow for about eight kilometres, passing the smaller Lake Kirkpatrick on the way, to reach the Moke Lake Reserve. Take it slowly, especially in a campervan.
The main activity is the Moke Lake Loop Track, which circles the lake in about two to three hours. It is graded easy but undulating, with views across open grassland to the surrounding peaks, and a short boardwalk at the southern end protects a wetland. Mountain biking is allowed only on the western side of the lake; it is banned on the peninsula and nearby track sections on the far side from the campsite because of erosion, so follow the signs. The Moonlight Track also links Moke Lake with Arthurs Point for longer walks and rides.
In summer the lake is popular for swimming, boating, horse riding and camping. A speed limit of 5 km/h applies to boats on the water. The Department of Conservation campsite and car park are at the far end of the lake, and the campsite is one of the most scenic places to stay near Queenstown if you are travelling with a tent or campervan.
The lake suits families, walkers who want an easy outing with big scenery, and photographers. Viewers of the 2013 BBC series Top of the Lake may recognise it, as scenes for the women's commune were filmed here. Allow half a day to drive in, walk the loop and spend time by the water.
Moke Lake FAQs
How do you get to Moke Lake from Queenstown?
Drive about ten minutes along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, then turn onto Moke Lake Road and follow it for about 8 km, much of it gravel, past Lake Kirkpatrick.
How long is the Moke Lake Loop Track?
The loop takes about two to three hours and is graded easy, though it is undulating.
Can you camp at Moke Lake?
Yes. The Department of Conservation runs a campsite with parking at the far end of the lake.
Can you mountain bike around the lake?
Only on the western side. Biking is banned on the peninsula and some track sections on the far side from the campsite because of erosion.
Can you swim or boat on Moke Lake?
Yes. Swimming and boating are popular in summer, and a 5 km/h speed limit applies on the water.
Where does the name come from?
The lake was named after an old mule on a nearby farm. Ngāi Tahu names for the lake mean twin waters.
Was Moke Lake used in a TV series?
Yes. Scenes for the women's commune in the 2013 BBC series Top of the Lake were filmed here.