Complete guide to Moke Lake New Zealand – epic camping and mountain lake hiking spot near Queenstown.
Moke Lake New Zealand is a small mountain lake located near the small suburb of Closeburn, near Queenstown. Although this lake is only a relative stone-throw away from the bustling adrenaline hub, Moke Lake offers a much quieter and chilled out vibe as well as opportunities for short day hikes and viewpoints.
If you’re looking for a cheap place to pitch a tent for the night, then this DOC campsite is one of the best options near Queenstown.
Where is Moke Lake New Zealand?
Moke Lake is located approximately 14 KM from the Queenstown, behind the hills on the road leading from Queenstown to Glenorchy. The lake is tucked between two mountain ranges and is accessed by a dirt road leading down the valley alongside Moke Creek.
How to get to Moke Lake From Queenstown
Getting to Moke Lake requires a short 6 KM dart down the Queenstown-Glenorchy road, before making the turn off on the Moke Lake road. Shortly after, keep an eye out for signs indicating a left turn down the Moke Lake dirt access road.
It shouldn’t take more than 25 minutes to reach the lakefront camping area from Queenstown – once you’ve beaten the traffic and actually gotten out of town of course!
Note: Winter access is open to 4WD vehicles only.
RELATED POST: Queenstown Accommodation Guide
Moke Lake Camp Ground
The Moke Lake Camp Ground is a Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite. Both self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles are permitted to stay here. There are also plenty of spaces to pitch a tent.
You can’t book in advance for the Moke Lake campground, spaces are available at a first-come-first-serve basis. In saying that, the entire site surrounding the lake is huge, and you shouldn’t have any problem securing a spot at any time of year.
DON’T MISS: THE 8 BEST HIKES IN QUEENSTOWN
Campsite Cost
Campsite costs are $15 per person, whether you are pitching a tent or sleeping in a vehicle. There is a small form and box at the entrance to the Moke Lake campground where you can fill in your vehicle details and pay your fees.
Facilities
Facilities at Moke Lake include:
- Toilets
- Fresh water taps (boil or treat first)
- Shelter for cooking
- 50 non-powered tent sites
- Plenty of space for parking up a campervan
READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN QUEENSTOWN
Moke Lake Campsite Review
We visited the Moke Lake campsite because we were eager to check out the lake viewpoint and circuit loop. When we arrived, we were surprised with how well-kept the campsites and facilities were.
We pitched our tent right beside the lakefront, which meant we got some spectacular sunrise views for breakfast.
For $15 per person, it’s probably one of the best places to camp near Queenstown.
Hiking at Moke Lake New Zealand
Below you’ll find some information about the three main hikes and short day walks that begin from Moke Lake.
Don’t miss the Ben Lomond Hike from Queenstown.
1. Moke Lake Loop Track
The Moke Lake Loop track is a the most popular hiking track at the lake. The track is fairly flat, following the circumference of the lake for a total length of approximately 6 KM.
The start point to the Moke Lake track is directly in front of the camping ground, near the shorefront beach access.
2. Hillside Viewpoint
The Moke Lake viewpoint was my personal favourite hike in the area. The track is unmarked, but obvious if you know where to look.
The trail heads up a steep hill for roughly 40 minutes to a flat clearing where you will get some of the best views of Moke Lake.
I found the track by reading Destinationless Travel’s excellent guide, so head here for directions and for the location.
3. The Moonlight Track
The longest hiking track from Moke Lake New Zealand is the Moonlight track. This trail leads all the way past the Ben Lomond saddle over to Arthur’s Point, near the Edith Cavell Bridge and Shotover Jet.
This track is steep and much longer – a total of 4 hours walking. In the wintertime, it can also get slippery and icy, so best to be prepared.
The Moonlight Trail from Moke Lake to Arthur’s Point begins above Moke Lake near Ben Lomond Station.
More Things to do in Queenstown
I hope that you found this guide to Moke Lake New Zealand useful. For more ideas for things to do in this incredible part of NZ’s South Island, check out the links below this post.
