The Queenstown Hill Walkway is the ideal hike for those looking to get great views over Queenstown without having to summit one of the looming nearby mountain peaks. Located in the heart of town, it’s an easy hike that is perfect for a morning or afternoon outing. Plus, with its popularity, you will see plenty of other hikers and joggers along the way. And once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with an expansive panoramic view.
Here’s how to do it.
About Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is a small mountain located within the town.
The trailhead is just a 20-minute walk from the main waterfront area. From the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness), hikers can enjoy views out over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables. This makes a perfect hike for those seeking a half-day outdoor adventure that’s suitable for most ages.
Hiking Stats
The following hiking stats are round trip:
Distance: 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
Total Ascent: 430 meters (1,410 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 440 meters (1,443 feet)
Highest Elevation: 846 meters (2,776 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Getting Here
The trailhead is located at the corner of Kerry Drive and Belfast Terrace, not far from the main Queenstown tourist area. There are 5 parking spaces on Belfast Terrace directly in front of the trailhead. There is a gravel parking lot right around the corner at the end of Kerry Drive.
There are toilets at the entrance of the gravel parking lot. This is your last chance to use the bathroom before starting the hike as there are no toilet facilities along the trail.
You can also walk directly from the main tourist area of Queenstown. It is only a 20-minute, uphill walk to the trailhead from there.
Good to Know: The trailhead marker on Google Maps is “Queenstown Hill Walking Track.”
Queenstown Hill Hike
From the trailhead, you will begin a gradual climb along a wide, compacted dirt path through the trees. The first half of your ascent will be within a Douglas Fir forest. There are, however, multiple short breaks in the trees that offer views on your way up. For the most part though, don’t expect great views until later. Trust us, they’re coming.
Fairies Meeting Place
One of the notable stops along the forested path is the Fairies Meeting Place. As you round a bend, keep an eye out for rock cairns and miniature doors built into nearby trees.
A few minutes beyond the Fairies Meeting Place is a trail split. Both the left and right trails make up a loop that completes the hike. We chose to hike up the left path, and this guide is written for going left. We later descended along the trail to the right. There is also a narrower and less defined trail in the middle, but ignore that trail.
After turning left at that split, you continue through the trees. Note that the entire time through the forest, the trail is a slow but gradual ascent on a wide, well-kept path.
Another 5 to 10 minutes along the trail and you will break out of the trees. Now you will be treated to better views of Queenstown, and you will even be able to see the Ben Lomond summit.
As you continue ascending, you will eventually reach a flat expanse of land with multiple trail splits. There are trails going left, right, and straight. The path straight will complete the loop and take you back down to the trailhead through the forest below. So, save that direction for last. The trail to the left, which is easily identifiable with the stones running through the middle of the path, will lead up to the summit. And the trail to the right is a short path that leads to the Basket of Dreams sculpture.
Basket of Dreams
Turn right and head to the Basket of Dreams first. This sculpture was built to commemorate the millennium. Snap a picture here, then turn around and take the trail to the summit. It is the trail with the stones running through the center of the path. But you will also come to know it for its steepness.
Basket of Dreams sculpture
Along the way, make sure to turn around and enjoy the best views of the day. Our favorite viewpoint was just after the first steep climb. Off to the left there’s a portion of flat land where you can rest and enjoy the view. You can see Queenstown below, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. There is no hill at this viewpoint obstructing your view like there is at the summit, making this our favorite viewpoint of this hike.
Queenstown Hill Summit
Continue along the compacted dirt trail until you reach the summit. It’s a somewhat steep ascent, but you are almost there.
The summit will be on your right. You will have a similar view as the prior viewpoint, but you will also be able to see more in the direction of The Remarkables.
Good to Know: The summit is the end of the official trail. Anything beyond this is private property and should be avoided.
The Return Hike
Once you’ve finished enjoying the view from the summit, backtrack down to the junction of trails near the Basket of Dreams. Just before reaching the sculpture turn left. There was a small scenic pond here when we completed this hike. The trail runs alongside the pond and will then take you back into the trees.
Once in the trees you will immediately come to a trail junction. You want to stay on the wider and more defined path that goes to the right and downhill.
As you continue downhill through the trees you will eventually reach the trail junction from earlier in the day. This now completes the loop portion of the hike. Stay to the left, which will take you downhill and back to the trailhead.
What to Bring
We recommend packing water, nutrition, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bringing a windbreaker is also a good idea. Make sure you check the weather beforehand, so you know what clothing layers to wear. When we hiked here in mid-December (the beginning of New Zealand’s summer) we were comfortable in hiking pants, a t-shirt, and a jacket.
See our hiking gear guide for more suggestions.
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.What to Do Next
Looking for other fun activities to complete your day in Queenstown? Soak in the beautiful mountain lake views at Lake Alta or at Moke Lake or relax in the Onsen Hot Pools. For a more thrilling adventure, consider a jet boat ride or bungy jumping. See our full list of recommendations in our Queenstown guide ↓
Queenstown Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Queenstown
Best things to do in Queenstown, from popular attractions to hidden gems.If you have any questions about how to hike the Queenstown Hill Walkway, let us know in the comment section below.
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