Frankton Track
Distance 8.5km
Time 0.5-1hr bike, 1.5-2 hrs walk
Level Easy (Grade 2)
Frankton 850 pxClick and hold the Image to zoom

Frankton Track

Queenstown Gardens to Frankton

Connecting Queenstown to Frankton, the Frankton Track meanders along Frankton Arm, offering a wide and easy trail suitable for families.  At Frankton Beach, the trail continues to Kawarau Falls Bridge, where the Twin Rivers and Kelvin Peninsula Trails begin.  Frankton Track is a popular commuter trail, and provides a safe, off-road link from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown for those wishing to make the journey on foot or by bike.

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens Te Kararo marks the official start of the Queenstown Great Ride.  Frankton Track starts on Marine Parade, following the shoreline of Lake Whakatipu.  Spot the Lady of the Lake TSS Earnslaw as she steams in or out of harbor, and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks.  The Queenstown Gardens are tranquil and well worth exploring year round.

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Frankton Arm

Frankton Track meanders beside Frankton Arm between Queenstown and Frankton Beach.  There are several picnic and paddling spots beside the trail, and several linking pathways to provide access to Frankton Road and Queenstown Hill.

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Frankton Marina

Frankton Marina is home to restaurants, cafes and a brewery.  Frankton Marina is a great place to stop for a rest or refreshments.

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Frankton Beach

Frankton Beach is a gorgeous picnic and swimming spot, equipped with BBQ, Toilets and shelter.  Follow the beach around to the Kawarau Falls Bridge and the start of the Twin Rivers Trail, or head into Frankton for shops, food and public transport options.

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By Bike
By Foot

Trail Description

Grade 2 / Easy 

8.5 km one way

Begin at the Queenstown Gardens entrance by the Bathhouse on Marine Parade and follow the signposts all the way along the lakefront. Stop at the Frankton Marina for coffee, a meal or a craft beer, then follow the signs to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge. This is where the Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River - it's well worth pausing here to admire the crystal clear waters below. 

 

What to expect

- A well-maintained, wide track, smooth gravel surface
- Mostly flat, with a couple of gentle climbs
- Signposting and good cell phone reception
- A busy trail, lots of walkers, runners and riders.  This trail is popular with visitors and families, as well as a commuter trail for locals - please be considerate, allow space, and signal your approach to other trail users
- The Frankton Track is suitable for prams, wheel chairs and adaptive bikes, there are some steeper sections (Queenstown Gardens and Battery Hill), and a some areas where the trail shares the footpath (Park Street).  Note:  The trail surface within the Queenstown Gardens includes small tree roots and some rougher sections.

Skills/Experience Needed

Frankton Track is a Grade 2 (Easy) trail.  The trail is wide, and the gradient is flat with some gentle climbs.  

Know before you go

  1. Queenstown is packed with great places to eat, drink and stay, and is a fantastic place to base yourself for your trail adventure.  Check out our list of partner businesses for recommendations.
  2. Frankton township includes three large shopping precincts and supermarkets: Remarkable's Park, Queenstown Central and Five Mile.  There are loads of great places to eat and stay, and plenty of bike shops for servicing and parts. 
  3. Queenstown Airport is located in Frankton, and the Frankton Track offers an excellent off-road option to travel between Queenstown and the Airport.
  4. Public transport between Queenstown and Frankton offers an alternative way home if an our and back, or round-trip doesn't appeal.

Adaptive Riding Info

  • Trail Width:
    >2m
  • Steep Sections:
    - There is a short "pinch" at Battery Hill
    - Some of the paths in the Queenstown Gardens offer a steeper gradient
    - Access to Frankton from Frankton Beach includes some steeper gradients

Trail Description

6km one way 

Begin at the Queenstown Gardens entrance by the Bathhouse on Marine Parade and follow the signposts all the way along the lakefront. Stop for coffee at the Boatshed at Frankton Marina then continue along the lake edge to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, which in 2018 became pedestrians only. This is where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River - it's well worth pausing here to admire the crystal clear waters below. 

 

On a hot day

Frankton Beach is very shallow and calm - the ideal spot to paddle hot tired feet!

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About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Plan and prepare
  • Code of Conduct
  • Support Queenstown Trails

Getting there

Frankton Track can be ridden in either direction and has multiple points of entry from Frankton Road, there are two main starting points:

  • Queenstown - Frankton Track begins at Queenstown Bay, near the Queenstown Gardens
  • Frankton Beach 

Parking is available at the start of the Frankton Track either in the Queenstown Gardens or Park Street (some time limits apply), in Frankton Marina (paid) or at Frankton Beach. 

The Frankton Track links to the Twin Rivers Trail and Kelvin Peninsula Trail at the Kawarau Falls Bridge.  

 

Trail Transport

Transport is readily available to and from Arrowtown for you and your bikes - get in touch with one of our tour operators for bike hire and transport options. 

 

Plan and prepare

Pack water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat (for walkers) or a helmet visor (for bikers) in summer.

In winter, carry plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.

If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike rather than a road bike.

Frankton Track shares Park Street near Queenstown, this is a narrow road with lots of parked cars, please share with care, keep left and follow the road rules.

You can combine this trail with other nearby bike trails for a longer ride. It is part of the Queenstown Trail Great Ride. 

Code of Conduct

Respect Others

  • Keep left
  • Signal your approach to other trail users
  • Be courteous and give way to pedestrians
  • Slow down and stay in control of your bike
  • Keep dogs under control

Respect the Rules

  • Stay on the trail, do not enter private property
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Do not disturb livestock

Respect the Trails

  • Don't skid, cut corners or make new lines
  • Take your rubbish home
  • Be prepared (carry food, water, first aid, tools and warm clothes)

Share the Road

  • Stay left and follow the road rules
  • Ride predictably and signal your intentions

MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL

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