Last updated November 2026
The Turnbulls Tramping Track is a challenging tramp through the mossy Longwood forest in Western Southland and part of Te Araroa. It is reached from the Round Hill car park west of Riverton, about 41 km from Invercargill. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track, 12 km one way and 4 to 5 hours.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the historic Turnbull’s Hut, a relic of the gold mining era. DOC says the track crosses private land and may be restricted at certain times of year, so check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Turnbulls Tramping Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Round Hill car park, Round Hill Road, via the Round Hill walking track and Ports Race track
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 4–5 hr one way
- Track length
- 12 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- DOC’s page lists “Dogs on a leash only” but also says “Dogs are not permitted on this track”; check with DOC
- Huts
- Turnbull’s (Big Dam) Hut (DOC, historic)
- 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 Turnbulls Tramping Track
DOC describes this as a tough tramping track that gives an insight into the gold mining carried out here in the 1800s. DOC describes the Longwoods forest here as beautiful and mossy.
The Longwood Range was a major gold mining centre from the mid-1860s to the 1950s. Mining began at Round Hill in the 1870s, and after the first miners left, Chinese miners moved in. By 1882, DOC says, 500 Chinese people lived at the Round Hill township known as Canton, the largest Chinese settlement in New Zealand.
The mines were short of water, so a network of races was built to supply them, including Turnbull’s Race, Martin’s Race and Port’s Race. The historic Turnbull’s Hut is one of the relics of that era.
This section of Te Araroa suits experienced trampers. Southbound walkers join it from Martin’s Hut.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from Riverton, travel west on State Highway 99 for 15 km, turn right onto Round Hill Road, continue 1 km and turn right into the car park.
Follow the Round Hill walking track anti-clockwise for 1.4 km to the Ports Race junction, turn right onto the Ports Race track, then left onto the Turnbulls Tramping Track. Look for the Te Araroa symbol on the signs.
Southbound, leave Martin’s Hut, follow the trail for 100 m and turn right at the marked junction.
Track Conditions and Safety
During March and April, the roar (deer hunting season), DOC advises wearing hi-viz clothing and pack covers. The track goes through private land and may be restricted at certain times of year.
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, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Does the Turnbulls track go through private land?
Are there any steep or tricky sections on the Turnbulls track?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Turnbulls Tramping Track?
DOC gives 12 km one way, taking 4 to 5 hours.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and calls it challenging.
Is it part of Te Araroa?
Yes. DOC says this track is part of Te Araroa.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s page is inconsistent: it lists “Dogs on a leash only” but also says dogs are not permitted on this track. Check with DOC before taking a dog.
Where does it start?
From the Round Hill car park, via the Round Hill walking track and Ports Race track.
What should I wear in March and April?
DOC advises hi-viz clothing and pack covers during the roar.
What is Turnbull’s Hut?
A historic hut from the gold mining era that DOC says to keep an eye out for on the track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: Turnbulls Tramping Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Te Araroa Trail: trail notes for the Longwood section of Te Araroa.
- Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
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.