This is one of Queenstown's most popular hiking trails and the perfect way to soak up panoramic views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, parts of Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River. The best part is it’s located in the heart of town - you don’t even need a car to get there.

The trail conveniently starts in the city centre and takes around 2-3 hours to return, depending on how fast you walk and how many photo stops you make! It's steep in sections, so you will need a relatively good fitness level, but it is well-formed and easy to follow.

Track overview

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.2km return

Time: 2-3 hours return

Starting at the carpark, the track winds through a pine forest and past six information plates that share the history of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, from early Māori settlements to the gold rush era. Then, you’ll reach the summit of Te Tapu-nui (Mountain of Intense Sacredness), where you’ll get panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The hike is beautiful no matter when you visit, but sunrise and sunset are particularly special, as the golden light spills over the mountains and reflects off the lake. If you want to visit during the day, I recommend packing a picnic to have at the top!

How to get there

The starting point for the Queenstown Hill Walk is a small car park off Belfast Terrace. You can drive to the trailhead, but there’s a good chance the carpark will be full, so I recommend walking, which will take around 25 minutes. There are no toilets or facilities at the trailhead.