Macetown 4WD Track – Managed Access System

New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (NZFWDA)

Apply for a Permit

Permits are now required for 4WD vehicles and motorcycles to travel over Macetown Road to the Macetown Historic Reserve. A managed access system has been implemented, including a locked gateway structure with adjacent squeeze barrier for cyclists and walkers, a CCTV camera surveillance system with remote monitoring and number plate recognition capability, and a fee-based online permit system.

Why Managed Access

Explore Macetown Road

Gateway structure with squeeze barrier
Gateway structure: restricting vehicle access, open for walkers and cyclists.
Historic Bakehouse at Macetown
Historic Bakehouse: a gold rush relic and popular stop for 4WDers.
Inside Scholes Tunnel
Scholes Tunnel: walk through Macetown’s mining history.
The Cutting rock formations
The Cutting: dramatic rock formations along the track.
Arrow River crossing under pipeline
Arrow River Crossing: a highlight for adventurous drivers.
Historic stamper battery
Historic Stamper Battery: preserving Macetown’s mining heritage.

This iconic road, linking Arrowtown to the gold rush-era settlement of Macetown, is a treasured route for 4WDers, trampers, cyclists, runners and horse riders. Heavy use, environmental pressures, vandalism and deterioration of the track have created a risk that if nothing is done the track would have to be closed.

Project Info Get an Annual Pass Horse Riders Mining Claim Permit Holders Commercial Operators Read the FAQs Donate