Last updated November 2026
The Long Hilly (Round Hill) Walking Track is a loop through a historic goldfield set in native bush, off Round Hill Road west of Riverton and about 41 km from Invercargill.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, a 2.7 km loop taking about 2 hr 15 min. Along the way are relics of gold mining from the 1870s onwards and of logging, with interpretation panels telling the stories of the area. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Long Hilly (Round Hill) Walking Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park on Round Hill Road, 1 km off State Highway 99
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 2 hr 15 min
- Track length
- 2.7 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Facilities
- Large car park; toilet 10 m along the track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Long Hilly (Round Hill) Walking Track
The track gives an insight into the gold mining that took place here. Along the loop you come across an historic logging tramline, hand-dug waterways and earth dams.
DOC says the track runs through sites linked to gold mining from 1874 onwards, and describes the area as the largest and southernmost Chinese settlement in New Zealand. Several interpretation panels explain this history as you walk.
The bush is rich too: DOC records over 100 species of native plant along the track.
At 2 hr 15 min on an easy to intermediate grade, the loop rewards walkers interested in history and nature.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from Riverton, travel west on State Highway 99 for 15 km. Turn right onto Round Hill Road, continue for 1 km, then turn right into the car park.
Know Before You Go
Keep dogs on a leash. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts for the Longwood Forest Conservation Area: Bald Hill Road “is closed due to a large slip”, and public access is restricted within Kiwi Forest because of forestry operations. Neither alert names this track, but check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Was there really a Chinese settlement at Round Hill?
Can you get a pram around Long Hilly, or is the track too rough?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Long Hilly (Round Hill) Walking Track?
DOC gives a 2.7 km loop taking about 2 hr 15 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash only.
Where does it start?
At the car park on Round Hill Road, 1 km off State Highway 99 and 15 km west of Riverton.
What history will I see?
Gold mining relics from 1874 onwards, including hand-dug waterways and earth dams, plus a historic logging tramline.
Are there toilets?
Yes. DOC says there is a toilet 10 m along the track.
Is there information along the way?
Yes. Several interpretation panels tell the stories of the area.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Long Hilly (Round Hill) Walking Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Longwood Forest Conservation Area: other tracks and current alerts for the Longwood Forest.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.