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Tucker Beach Trail
Distance 4.4km (one way)
Time 1hr 10min walking, 30min biking (one way)
Level Easy / Grade 2
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Tucker Beach Trail

From the Old Lower Shotover Bridge to Tucker Beach

Gifted to the community by Rotary Queenstown

This trail opened in Oct 2018 and was gifted to the community to mark 75 years of Rotary's involvement in the Wakatipu and will eventually form part of the proposed re-routing of the Queenstown Trail linking to Arthurs Point and Arrowtown.

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Tucker Beach Wildlife Reserve

This trail passes through the Tucker Beach Management Reserve, home to a number of threatened bird species including the Black-billed Gull (the worlds most endangered gull), the Banded Dotterel and Black-fronted Terns. Populations of these birds are now flourishing since the reserve has been closed to vehicles. Please keep dogs on a lead in this area.

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A stunning trail with grand mountain vistas

The Tucker Beach Trail is a wonderfully scenic trail to walk or ride with the whole family. With great views of both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, ending at the historic Tucker Beach. Don't forget to pack a picnic. 

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By Bike

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

3.34km one way or 6.7km return

Easy (Grade 2)

Starting from the Rotary carpark at the western end of the Old Lower Shotover Bridge. The track climbs gently up over the Arrow irrigation pipeline, and follows a high terrace along the true left of the Shotover River, with great views back towards the old bridge with the Remarkables as a backdrop.

The trail skirts around bluffs and drops back towards the Tucker Beach Wildlife Management Reserve with Coronet Peak looming into view across the river flats. The reserve is home to a number of rare birds including the Banded Dotterel and Black-fronted Tern, and is subject to an ecological restoration project.

As the trail reaches the DoC carpark, a short steep climb leads up to Tucker Beach Road which you can take back to the old bridge – or turn around and take the trail back the way you came.

Gifted to the community by Rotary Queenstown

This trail opened in Oct 2018 and was gifted to the community to mark 75 years of Rotary's involvement in the Wakatipu and will eventually form part of the proposed re-routing of the Queenstown Trail linking to Arthurs Point and Arrowtown.

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About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Plan & prepare
  • Trail code
  • Guided options
  • FAQ's
  • Support us

Getting there

Parking is available just off Tucker Beach Road at the start of the trail.  The parking area also leads down to the Old Lower Shotover Bridge if you wanted to make a detour to see it.  

The Tucker Beach trail is an out and back, but does pass by the nearby Twin Rivers Trail.

 

Plan & 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.
  2. Find rides to suit your experience and time frames.
  3. Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out the directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.
  4. Download a map or the Great Rides app
  5. Watch the Queenstown Trail video

Some more information on how to prepare for your journey out on the trails can be found 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 should be under control at all times - check out QLDC's rules and regs around dog walking in the district here
  • 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 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.

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.

 

Support us

If you've experienced our trails and loved them, please support us and donation online today. As a registered charity, we rely upon ongoing funding and donations to maintain and extend our trail network. Find out more and donate here.

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