Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail

3.5km Loop

Grade 2 - Easy

Begin the loop either at the Peninsula Road beach for an anti-clockwise journey or head south side by lower end of the Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Trail to go clockwise. Here we’ll go clockwise.

Starting at the lower end of the Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Trail you’ll take the track along the edge of the lake on the outside of the golf course, watch out for golfers as they have right of way. Here you’ll find the first of the 4 sculptures, Wakatipu Kuikui by artist Mark Hill, an impressive figure with wild hair blowing into the wind, soak up her energy as you pass and make your way on the track and into the forest. 

The second sculpture to look out for is a schist and steel static kinetic sculpture by Arrowtown artist Shane Woolridge. The Woolridge sculpture, named Thru Link to Peak, is constructed using 25 tonnes of schist and perfectly frames Walter Peak on the far side of the lake.

Follow the trail through the forest; look out for Terry’s Cove, named after the Queenstown Trails Trust’s founding Chairman, Terry Stevens. Terry’s Cove makes a wonderful stop to soak up the views of Cecil and Walter Peak on the other side of the lake Wakatipu.

Back on the trail the forest will open up to views of the Queenstown Gardens and beyond, keep your eyes open and don’t miss the next impressive sculpture. Three distinctive goats known as The Kelvin Peninsula Goats by Auckland artist Jeff Thompson who is best known for his work in corrugated iron is an impressive site not to be missed.

Passed the goats, enjoy the views of Queenstown Bay, Walter Peak and the Frankton Arm. The Queenstown Golf Club has a great café and is only a short ride or 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!).  Be sure to stop in at the Golf Club for a coffee, they also have air available by the pro-shop for your tires.

Back on the trail you’ll pass the Wakatipu Yacht Club and onwards back to the beach near Kelvin Grove, keep your eyes peeled for the last sculpture hiding the trees (it’s easy to miss!). The most recent addition, another created by local artist Mark Hill and known as Presence, Mark 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.”

Relax on the beach before return back to your car, bus stop or you can easily join the Frankton Track & Kelvin Peninsula Trail or head south onto the Jack’s Point Trail via a short stretch of road, cycle along Grove Lane to Peninsula Road, turning right onto Poplar Drive. You’ll find the trail inside Jardine Park. Please take note the Jack’s Point Trail is an advanced ride / grade 4.