Discover the Oxenbridge Tunnel Track
Located at Arthurs Point on the Shotover River and north of Queenstown, the Oxenbridge Tunnel Track is an interesting piece of gold mining history and a unique short walk. The track rises high above a gorge on the river and is particularly captivating in autumn when the foliage transforms into vibrant colours and wild blackberries are abundant along the path.
Track Description
The walk begins at the edge of the Shotover River, where there is an interesting variety of river stones and rocks to observe. You can explore along the stony river bank or take the track through a paddock and scrub.
The track then ascends, with views of the historic Oxenbridge Tunnel and an old steam engine. From there, it continues to a viewpoint high above the Shotover Gorge, offering stunning views. While the walk is generally easy, caution is advised for those with young children due to the exposed cliff edges as you approach the viewpoint.
The Historic Oxenbridge Tunnel
The Oxenbridge Tunnel, 170 metres long, was constructed by Bert and Edmund Oxenbridge between 1906 and 1910. It was a gold extraction project aimed at diverting part of the Shotover River through a tunnel to access gold beneath the treacherous rapids known as the Jeweller’s Shop. Despite significant engineering efforts, the company failed in 1912, leaving ht tunnel as a curiosity, then a tourist attraction. In the late 1900s, the tunnel became part of a popular rafting route through the Shotover Gorge. Sadly, a tourist’s death in 1995 led to the closure of one tunnel’s outlet channels, but it remains in use today. You can check it out with Shotover Rafting.
How to Get There
To access the Oxenbridge Tunnel Track from Queenstown, drive along Gorge Road to Arthurs Point. Just before reaching the one-lane bridge over the Shotover River, turn left onto Oxenbridge Tunnel Road, located opposite the jetboat facility. Continue along the short metal road and park beside the river. From there, walk northwest along the river's edge to the start of the track.
Other walks in the region include Queenstown Hill and the several options around Arrowtown, such as the Arrow River Trail, New Chum Gully, and Sawpit Gully, which range from easy to strenuous mountain hikes.
