Macetown Road
Macetown is a historic, now-abandoned gold mining settlement in the Arrow Gorge near Arrowtown, New Zealand, famous for its challenging 4WD track, numerous river crossings, and preserved gold rush remnants like old buildings. It offers hiking, biking, and 4WD adventures for visitors. The remote town, named after the Mace brothers, was once home to many miners. Travel along Macetown road between Arrowtown and Macetown requires careful planning due to its rugged, sometimes impassable, route up the Arrow River.
Agencies unite to secure future of Macetown road
The Outdoor Access Commission was one of several organisations to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Arrowtown, marking a major step toward securing long-term public access to the historic Macetown road. The agreement brings together Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), QEIINT, Mahu Whenua Open Space covenants, Soho Property Limited, the Outdoor Access Commission, and pastoral leaseholders.
Macetown road's history
Progress is being made on one of New Zealand’s oldest, longest-standing, and colourful public access cases. Some of our cases have been on our books for many years. Resolving public access can often be a long and careful process. However, few issues have been around as long as attempts to secure access along Macetown road, winding into the hills above Arrowtown.
Community meeting to address future of Macetown road
Saving a high-country road, cherished for its history, views and the access it provides to a special area, is the mission of a public meeting next month. Arrowtown will host a crucial public meeting on 7 July, where residents, outdoor recreationalists, 4WD enthusiasts and other interested groups will gather to discuss the future of Macetown Road.