Exploring the Roaring Lion Trail
Located near Garston in Southland, about 45 minutes from Queenstown on the Southern Scenic Route, the Roaring Lion Trail offers a unique hiking experience through New Zealand's high country. This private trail, established by Tom and Katie O’Brien around 2013, is managed by their business, Welcome Rock. It provides a scenic journey through highland tussock and historic landscapes, making it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail History and Features
The Roaring Lion Trail spans 27 kilometres and was hand-built by Tom O’Brien on land that has been part of his family station since 1911. The land is now under a conservation covenant, preserving its natural beauty.
The trail follows the historic Roaring Lion water race, originally constructed to supply water for gold mining in the Nevis Valley. The final 7.5-kilometre stretch follows the Nevis Road, completing a loop back to the starting point at the ski hut.
Accommodation and Trail Access
Three huts are available along the trail, each accommodating four to six people. These can be booked through the Welcome Rock website. One of the highlights is the Slate Hut, located at the highest point of the trail at 1,130 metres. For those not staying overnight, walking or biking the trail requires a modest day fee, and you should allow about eight hours to complete the walk.
How to Get There
To access the Roaring Lion Trail, head to the south end of Nevis Road, which is off State Highway 6, the Southern Scenic Route, near Garston. The road climbs 980 metres to the Historic Garston Ski Hut parking area, where the trail begins. From Queenstown, the drive on SH6 and Nevis Road to the trailhead is 70 minutes and 71 km.
You can also explore the northside of the Nevis Road, Duffers Saddle, the Nevis River, and Nevis Valley, as well as connected cycling and hiking tracks. With a 4WD, you can drive from the Historic Garston Ski Hut. With a 2WD, you need to start from Bannockburn.
Photo Credit: Georgia Wallis (@the_cornishpixietravels).
