TRAIL DESCRIPTION
Queenstown to the Hilton Hotel
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 follow the signs 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.
If more coffee calls or you feel the urge for brunch or beer, stop off at The Hilton Hotel for a luxurious experience. If the mood takes you, make an afternoon of it and indulge in a massage or spa treatment. Or you can carry on past The Hilton along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Hilton Hotel to Jardine Park
Along the trail you’ll get an up-close view of some of Queenstown’s contemporary homes. This easy trail takes you past many hidden coves, benches and high points with fantastic views, and once past the Wakatipu Yacht Club, enjoy the trail through the trees, with views of Queenstown Bay, Walter Peak and the Frankton Arm. At the beach reserve off Grove Lane you'll join the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail, here you find a number of stunning works of art positioned around the Peninsula - including the most recent addition of an imposing corten and stainless steel sculpture created by local artist Mark Hill is set alongside Lake Wakatipu at Kelvin Grove. Known as Presence; the Kelvin Peninsula Goats, three distinctive goats by Auckland artist Jeff Thomson; a schist and steel static kinetic sculpture titled Thru Link to Peak by Arrowtown artist Shane Woolridge located on the Kelvin Peninsula headland and lastly, you'll find the powerful and compelling Wakatipu KuiKui as you approach the southern end of Grove Lane.
The Queenstown Golf Club has a great café and is only a short ride from the trail and is well sign-posted (plus you can't miss it - it's the building in the middle of the world's most scenic Golf Course!) They also have an air pump available by the pro-shop for your tyres.
From the south side of the golf course follow signs towards Jardine Park and the Jack's Point Trail.
Jardine Park to Jack's Point
Take the short road section and follow the signs from Grove Lane, Peninsula Road and Poplar Drive to Jardine Park where the trail connects to the Jack's Point Trail or the slightly more technical Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Trail (Advanced / Grade 4) which is signposted from the end of the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail.
This is the ideal ride for those wanting to get off the beaten track. The last 3kms are particularly steep and technical. Riding past an abundance of wild tussocks and natural schist, whilst enjoying expansive views across Lake Wakatipu, you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself.
Arriving at Jack’s Point is a well-earned reward. Just a 20 minute drive from Queenstown Central, this 3,000 acre settlement and resort village is unique. It encompasses a world class golf course, homes and a fantastic restaurant.
Be sure to stop and find the Jack's Point Clubhouse for a well earned coffee or indulge in a superb long lunch (with a well matched winelist) and arrange transport back to your start point.
Hire an Ebike
If time or leg power is in short supply, check out one of the Bike Hire section of our Directory, most of which hire eBikes. Not only will you get some extra power, you'll also be supporting our trusted trail partners and supporters of the Queenstown Trail.
