Queenstown, Walks & Parks

Picnic tables, BBQ area, toilets, short walk to playground plus, since it’s so shallow, the warmest part of Lake Wakatipu. Jetski hire from Frankton Marina.

A favourite spot, only minutes from the town centre. There’s lots of space as the picnic area runs alongside the lake for about 1km. Close to playground and toilets.

Set off from top of Belfast Terrace and climb steadily through the forest. You’ll go through an iron gateway that marks the start of the Queenstown Millennium Time Walk. This takes you through the varied history of Queenstown via a series of Story Panels as you climb. Amazing views over the basin from the top of the Hill.

Follow Park Street, alongside Queenstown Gardens, down to the lake and Peninsula Street. The Walk begins at the end of this road. A very pleasant walk alongside the lake with views across the Frankton Arm to Kelvin Heights. You come out at Frankton Marina and can continue through to the main beach at Frankton.

Start off on the Otago track but cross the first bridge and follow the Tobins Track up to a fantastic viewpoint over Arrowtown and the Crown Terraces. The track itself is perfect for buggies but whether you want to push one up this quite steep climb for an hour is another matter!

As you drive from Frankton, you'll see a carpark at the end of the Ladies Mile Road, as you descend towards Lake Hayes, or continue to the pavilion where there' s lots of parking. The track is either well-graded, or a wooden walkway, to create an easy stroll around the lake, famous for its stunning reflections. Native birds to be seen along the way include the deep blue pukeko, also known as the New Zealand Swamp Hen! There are some inclines, but they're pretty short, and mostly the track is easy. There are toilet facilities at the recreation and picnic area at the Arrowtown end of the lake, which is also a great spot to pause for a dip in the lake! The path has some steep drop offs at some points, so keep small children with you.

You can join this track at various points along the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Road. Follow the lake towards the Golf Course. A good place to start a loop walk is from the Yacht Club on Bay View Road From here you head to the Golf Course and round the Perimeter in a loop, then back down to the track. You do actually enter onto the Fairways for a few minutes of your walk. If you don’t want to do this you’re not missing much by returning the way you came. Almost completely flat.

Arrowtown itself is 150 years old, with around 60 buildings still intact from the goldmining period. This gives the town that ‘step back in time’ feel. The Lakes District Museum sell a “Historic Buildings” Book for only $2.50, featuring a number of easy walks.

Follow the path nearest the lake. This skirts the whole Queenstown Gardens, offering views right round the peninsula.

Kingston/Milford Sound Road, only a few kilometres from Frankton just after the Lakeside Estate turn off. Either picnic near your car or take a 10 minute walk down to a lovely secluded beach spot with table. Ideal getaway for relaxing, fishing or bathing. There’s also a very easy 1 hour return walk from this spot following the beach round to Drift Bay.

Gentle descent through the bush to the beach at Bob’s Cove, then on past the old lime kiln and jetty. This would be a very pleasant half hour return stroll. Otherwise follow the path up to a loop round the cliff top and back down to Bob’s Cove. Stunning views over one of Queenstown’s prettiest inlets.

Stunning views of lake, and cliffs. Beautiful flora and fauna and small streams. Perfect on a nice day. Gentle ups and downs. Path descends down to road at end, so follow this and loop back along road, or return along track.

Walk along the Glenorchy Road from the One Mile Creek Carpark for a few minutes. You’ll see the track descend towards the lake on your left. Follow the track to the Sunshine Bay Jetty. Very pretty lakeside walk with waterfall and native bush. Gentle ups and downs, mostly flat.

A small lake (takes approx. 90 minutes to walk round) and an ideal swimming spot. Lots of space to spread out and play, perfect for cycling, walks, games and picnics. Longdrop (bush) toilet on site. 25mins from Queenstown, the Moke Lake turn off is along the Glenorchy Road. Part of the access is unsealed. No dogs allowed.

Consists of sandy beach, warm shallows, lots of space and toilets. Great spot to picnic and relax on a sunny day - lots of shade. Pontoon and good swimming and kayaking.

If you walk the track clockwise you’ll follow the stream through native beech forest until you reach the relic of Sam Summer’s hut, believed to be over 70 years old. (It’s worth checking out the ‘historic site’ detour you’ll see just before the hut, taking you through an old tail race tunnel only 1 metre wide). The walk involves quite a climb, but the views down to Lake Dispute and Lake Wakatipu are rewarding.

Nestled at the entrance to the golf course, right on the lake, this is a favourite for water skiers. Park your car alongside your picnic spot. Toilets and playground. Pebbly beach, warm shallows, lots of shade.

Start from carpark in Ramshaw Lane, centre of Arrowtown. Follow the Arrow River along the flat to the outskirts of Arrowtown. Cross the bridge and return most of the way along the other side, crossing a bridge once more and finishing in carpark.