COUNTRYSIDE TRAIL - Adjacent to Slope Hill Road - the bridge over Threepwood Creek has been damaged, please approach with care.
CORONET FACE WATER RACE - This trail is damaged and CLOSED while we assess for repair, it is not safe for walking or riding.
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Part of the Queenstown Trail network and the start of the 'Great Ride'. If you only have a couple of hours, then this trail is for you! It’s a relatively flat and easy ride or long-ish walk with wide trails designed for walkers and riders to share. It’s ideal for families with young children or those new to cycling!
Grade 2 / Easy
16.4 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 at the Boatshed Cafe or a craft beer at Altitude Brewing, then follow the signs to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, which in 2018 became pedestrians only. This is where the Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River - it's well worth pausing here to admire the crystal clear waters below.
Descend from the Kawarau Falls Bridge and pass the Hilton Hotel and another opportunity for good coffee or if you feel the urge for brunch or beer. If the mood takes you, make an afternoon of it and indulge in a massage or spa treatment.
Continue along past the Hilton Hotel and the lakeside trail which hugs the Frankton Arm, passing lakeside mansions and numerous jetties and beaches until you reach Kelvin Grove and the Queenstown Yacht Club. The Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail is a loop around the golf course that features numerous fantastic sculptures, some hidden amongst the trees. Take your time and explore this magical trail and see how many of the sculptures you can spot! Following the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail around the Queenstown Golf Course for more sweeping views across the lake. As the trail nears Jardine Park, there is an optional technical section called the Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Trail, suitable for more advanced riders. Otherwise, follow the signs via a short stretch of road, cycle along Grove Lane to Peninsula Road, turning right onto Poplar Drive for an easier route to Jardine Park
Return the same way, or carry on around the trail and enjoy more stunning views from the south side of the golf course towards Jardine Park and the Jack's Point Trail and beyond.
16.4 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 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.
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.
Here you’ll get an up-close view of some of Queenstown’s contemporary homes. The 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. There are stunning works of art positioned around the Peninsula - they include Kelvin Peninsula Goats, three distinctive goats by Auckland artist Jeff Thomson best known for his work in corrugated iron, and a schist and steel static kinetic sculpture by Arrowtown artist Shane Woolridge located on the Kelvin Peninsula headland. The Shane Woolridge sculpture, named Thru Link to Peak, is constructed of 25 tonnes of schist and perfectly frames Walter Peak on the far side of the lake. 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, Marks says his work depicts a tree spirit. “The location is perfect and the colours of Presence blend with the surrounding trees. In fact the sculpture blends so well it catches you by surprise when you first see it.”
The Queenstown Golf Club has a great café and is only a short walk 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!
Return the same way, or carry on around the Kelvin Peninsula Loop Trail and enjoy more stunning views from the south side of the golf course towards Jardine Park and the Jack's Point Trail beyond.
Frankton Beach is very shallow and calm - the ideal spot to paddle hot tired feet!
Parking is available at the start of the Frankton Track either in the Queenstown Gardens or Park Street (some time limits apply) or at Jardine Park on Kelvin Peninsula. Get to Jardine Park by driving out of Quenstown towards Frankton on SH6, turning right at the first big roundabout by BP to head south. Drive over Kawarau Falls Bridge and turn right onto Kelvin Peninsula. Continue along Peninsula Road almost to the end until you see Poplar Drive on your left, Jardine Park entrance is at the top of the street.
Transport is readily available to and from Queenstown for you and your bikes - visit our Trail Directory for a list of tour operators and bike transport
The Kelvin Peninsula Trail links to the Twin Rivers Trail at the Kawarau Falls Bridge and the optional Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Loop and the Jack's Point Trail for those wanting a more 'off the beaten track' technical challenge.
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
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.
Many of our Trusted 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 Directory of Tour Operators.
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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