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Queenstown Gardens to Frankton Marina Return
Distance 12km return
Time 1-2 hours
Level Easy (Grade 2)
Elevations Gardens to Frankton MarinaClick and hold the Image to zoom

Queenstown Gardens to Frankton Marina Return

 The Frankton Track is a relatively flat and easy trail, suitable for all the family and those new to riding bikes. 

Queenstown Gardens

The trail runs from the entrance at the Queenstown lakeshore around the perimeter of the gardens. It’s totally flat, easy, and very scenic, with the lake on one side and gardens on the other. Lots of places to stop and play or have a picnic on the beach.

1 / 5

Queenstown Bay Playground

A new million-dollar playground in the Queenstown gardens opened late in 2018. It’s located right on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown Bay, and designers of the new attraction said the space is a reflection of its natural environment. If you have kids, its fab and a must visit.

2 / 5

Soak up the views

The Frankton Track hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu, soak up the views and if you are feeling brave there are plenty of potential swimming spots along the way.

3 / 5

The Boatshed Cafe

Call into the Historic Boatshed Café and soak up the atmosphere from this heritage building dating back to 1869-78. The café serves delicious, locally sourced seasonal produce but be warned their sticky buns are to die for!

4 / 5

Altitude Brewing

If you are coffee and caked out and in need of a different type of refreshment, check out Altitude Brewing's new craft brew bar at the Frankton Marina.

5 / 5
By Bike

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

12km return

1-2hrs

Starting at the Queenstown Gardens, it’s a flat and easy ride to Frankton Marina. If you are with children, you might want to check out the new destination playground at the entrance to the Queenstown Gardens, you could spend hours of fun here so bribe the kids with a promose of more play after the ride.

Circumnavigate the Queenstown Gardens and enjoy the stunning views around the bay, across the lake to Cecil and Walter Peak and to Kelvin Peninsula. Follow the trail onto Park Street to the beginning of the Frankton Track where the road ends. The trail is an easy trail with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view or fossik by the lakeside beaches. It's 4 kms from the start of the Frankton Track (from road end) to the Frankton Marina and the trail follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu.

TIP

  1. At Frankton Marina you can stop for lunch at the Boat Shed Cafe or grab a beer from Altitude Craft Brewery and Taproom
  2. Or head a bit further up to the Frankton Beach for more lakeside fossicking or a summer swim
  3. Sections suitable for wheelchair uses: A) Queenstown to Frankton, there is a short steep rise at Battery Hill and assistance may be needed depending on ability. B) Queenstown Gardens loop (note steep gradient by QLDC depot and steep gradient on Park Street connector).

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About this Trail

  • GETTING THERE
  • PLAN AND PREPARE
  • TRAIL CODE
  • GUIDED OPTIONS
  • FAQ'S

GETTING THERE

Presuming you'll be starting your journey in Queenstown, you'll find plenty of parking in the Queenstown Gardens although most is restricted to 4 hours.

The official start of the Queenstown Trail is at the bridge by the entrance of the Queenstown Gardens along Marine Parade. 

PLAN AND PREPARE

This site is loaded with maps, information and advice, Here’s how to get the most out of it:

1.       Choose your ride: You’ll be spoilt for choice – so many options, so many trails. a Find trail to suit your experience and timeframes.

2.       Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out our Official Partners directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.

3.       Download a map or the Great Rides app

4.       Watch the Queenstown Trail video

For more information on how to stay safe on your trip go here 

TRAIL CODE

Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that many local landowners have given us access to their private property.

  • Share the trail with care and use a bell
  • Keep to the left and pass on the right
  • Bikers give way to walkers
  • Stay in control so you can safely avoid other users and keep yourself safe
  • Be patient behind slower riders and pull over where practical to let faster riders pass
  • Keep to the trail, don’t trespass on private land
  • Horses are generally not permitted on the Queenstown Trail, except for approved shared-use sections
  • Dogs need to be under control at all times - check out QLDC's rules and regs around dog walking in the district here (Dogs must be on a lead whilst in Queenstown Gardens)
  • Light no fires
  • Report all hazards
  • Keep streams and lakes clean
  • Bury toilet waste
  • Take your rubbish home with you
  • Protect plants and animals

GUIDED OPTIONS

Many of our Official Partners offer guided tours and shuttles to and from the start and end points of the trails - allowing you to ultimately tailor your trail experience and pick up tons of local knowledge and discover secret spots along the way!

Click here to see our Trail Directory.

FAQ'S

Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.

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