Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill
4.5
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- TorzynHindmarsh Valley, Australia38 contributionsA spectacular walk worth the burn!We parked at the start of the track. While you can walk from the town centre - it is a steep walk and because we were walking with kids, decided to conserve our energy for the actual walk. There are spaces for 4-5 cars at the bottom but plenty of street parking spots nearby. The first part of the walk is steep but you almost don’t realise as the scenery is so breath taking. Every now and then you get glimpses of the lake which motivates you to keep going. If you aren’t a fan of really steep climbs, we recommend going clockwise when you get to the loop track. It is longer, but a lot more gradual. We went the other way going back down so we could see the different views. Once you are at the Basket of Dreams, it’s worth pushing a little more and walking the extra 15 mins to the summit. (You can see the track from where the basket is). So glad we did - the views had us on a high for the rest of the day. Just spectacular and one of the best walks we’ve done so far (and we’ve done quite a few!) You need to be reasonably fit and be wearing good walking shoes as pats of the track are slippery and steep. The actual walk took us just under 2 hours but leave plenty of time to pause and take it in along the way. Just magical.Visited February 2019Traveled with familyWritten January 4, 2020
- Darren RConnecticut346 contributionsAmazing - way better than the Tiki TrailWhat a delightful trail, a great alternative to the crowds at the Tiki Trail/Skyline mess. The interpretive signs broke up the long climb a bit. When we came out of the Pine forest area over the tree line, the colors of the sky, flowers and lake were so vivid, my daughter said “whoa – we came out in Dr. Suess book.” We were a little pressed for time so we took a little under 2 hrs, though that does not include a 20 minute steep uphill walk on the roads to the trailhead from the center of town.Visited January 2020Written January 5, 2020
- Fliss55Greater Manchester, United Kingdom43 contributionsStrenuous half day walk with fantastic views over Queenstown areaYou can drive to the start of the walk at Belfast terrace or walk from town which is approx 20 mins. The start is clearly signposted. If you take the anticlockwise loop up the hill the track condition is excellent and very shaded amongst dense pines. So there is no view until the very top which brings you to the Basket of Dreams sculpture. If you have the energy I can recommend the extra 15minute steep climb to the top which has stupendous views in almost every direction and is very peaceful. We took the alternative track back down which has a more open aspect but is less easy underfoot.Total trip time including a rest at the top was 3 hours. Well worth it if you have a good fitness level.Visited February 2020Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,515 reviews
Excellent
1,110
Very good
358
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Maria D
Atyrau, Kazakhstan45 contributions
Feb 2020
Walked from seafront to summit.550 m ascent, 8 km there and back. Approx 90 min, the hardest part is the walk up the streets to the start of the track. If you park at the start of the trail, you cut out 100m of ascent. Fabulous views from the top.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand5,181 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
The climb from the lake to the top of Queenstown Hill sees a vertical metre gain of 532M. The track is well formed and maintained, it is steep in places but at your own speed very achievable by anyone with reasonable fitness. It’s well worth making the final 120M vertical gain from the top of the loop to the top of the top as the views are sensational, this is Queenstown for free. From the carpark it took us ~2 hours return and an additional 15 minutes each way from the lake to the carpark.
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
948 contributions
Dec 2021
We had difficulty finding the start of this walkway as we had entered "Queenstown Hill" into our GPS and on Google. We were taken to 2 different locations on Queenstown Hill, both private residences. It was only when we entered "Queenstown Hill Walkway" that we arrived at the start of the track at the little car park on Belfast Street. There were 2 main options - a shorter loop walk up to the Basket of Dreams sculpture with lovely views over Lake Wakatipu, or the longer track to the summit. We did the shorter loop as time was limited. We were unsure how long it would take from the Basket of Dreams sculpture to reach the summit and felt that some extra signage at this point would have been helpful. The shorter loop is quite shaded and weaves through beautiful forested areas. We would definitely do the summit walk next time.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wheels1964
Brisbane, Australia171 contributions
Jun 2021
This was our first shot at doing the walk despite being regular visitors to QT over the last few years and boy what a killer taking about 90 mins to reach the top.
Before we had even started the walk we started by parking the car in the Ballarat St Car park and walking up 2 streets that had massive inclines not knowing that there was a car park at the start of the walk…………..
I am 57 and wife 47 and both in pretty good shape fitness wise but we found the walk itself is pretty hard and uphill ALL THE WAY.
The walk is mostly through forest and you don’t get many nice views until the end which are spectacular once you arrive – we didn’t push on the extra bit to reach to ultimate summit feeling pretty happy to have reached the “bowl”.
The way down in via a separate path and that was quite wat and muddy the day we went and there are a couple of spots that you will need to support each other
All in a good solid walk but once is enough for us and we will stick to the nice flat walks around Moke Lake / Lake Hayes and Kelvin Heights
Warning though be very careful about your starting spot.
Good luck
Before we had even started the walk we started by parking the car in the Ballarat St Car park and walking up 2 streets that had massive inclines not knowing that there was a car park at the start of the walk…………..
I am 57 and wife 47 and both in pretty good shape fitness wise but we found the walk itself is pretty hard and uphill ALL THE WAY.
The walk is mostly through forest and you don’t get many nice views until the end which are spectacular once you arrive – we didn’t push on the extra bit to reach to ultimate summit feeling pretty happy to have reached the “bowl”.
The way down in via a separate path and that was quite wat and muddy the day we went and there are a couple of spots that you will need to support each other
All in a good solid walk but once is enough for us and we will stick to the nice flat walks around Moke Lake / Lake Hayes and Kelvin Heights
Warning though be very careful about your starting spot.
Good luck
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec
Birmingham, UK537 contributions
Feb 2021
Queenstown Hill is a really lovely walk which rewards with beautiful views of Queenstown and the lake below. The beginning is nice and shaded and gradual, with it becoming slightly steeper and exposed nearer to the top. From the sculpture, keep going to the next hill where you will be rewarded - it's only another 5-10 minutes up depending on your fitness. I didn't find this walk particularly steep apart from the odd part, so it's very accessible for most people.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisak12
Washington DC280 contributions
May 2020
This hike has two potential routes -- steep (but longer) and steeper (but shorter). We chose steep (but longer) and next time I would choose steeper (but shorter). Just when you start to think about turning back, the views start to open and you have your reward. Just do it.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMOsborne
Larkspur, CA52 contributions
Feb 2023
The trail starts at the end of Belfast Street at a small car park. There is also street parking. Or you can start from Queenstown downtown and add a little more hill!
The first 15 mins is a pretty steep start and then it settles in to a gradual incline all the way to the top. At the fork, we took the look-out loop up, which is “easier” and came down the other way. You can go either way but the alternative is steeper and more technical. The track winds through pine forest as you climb, before breaking out above the treeline to spectacular all-round views of Queenstown, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, parts of Lake Whakatipu and the Kawarau river. We stopped at the Basket of Dreams, which is an amazing sculpture to soak in the art and views before containing up the last little push to the very top. Such a great hike. Hard work over 2-3 hours but rewarding and satisfying…and worth every bit for the amazing views!
The first 15 mins is a pretty steep start and then it settles in to a gradual incline all the way to the top. At the fork, we took the look-out loop up, which is “easier” and came down the other way. You can go either way but the alternative is steeper and more technical. The track winds through pine forest as you climb, before breaking out above the treeline to spectacular all-round views of Queenstown, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, parts of Lake Whakatipu and the Kawarau river. We stopped at the Basket of Dreams, which is an amazing sculpture to soak in the art and views before containing up the last little push to the very top. Such a great hike. Hard work over 2-3 hours but rewarding and satisfying…and worth every bit for the amazing views!
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrandmrsbeas
Sydney, Australia559 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui. The track is easy to naviagte but will give you a good work out, At thhe lookout there is the 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture as well as information plates along the track.
It is worth the extra hike to the summit - the views were amazing. It was extremely windy and snow nearby but totally worth it!! Great views of all the surrounding mountains, the lake and Queenstown.
Free carparking in Belfast street. Recommended.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose
5 contributions
Aug 2020
We walked from our accommodation (Camp St) and we were already tired when we get to the starting point at Belfast St. But I guess if you are used to walking steep climb, you'll be fine. It took us almost 2 hours to get to the top (from Camp st.). We had to rest for at least 5 times along the way. I guess we are not that fit. haha! But if you get to the top, you'll forget that you're tired. All worth it!
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul V
North Sydney, Australia219 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Some reviewers suggest this is harder than it is. I am 67 years old. Only moderatelty fit. The start of the climb is harder than the rest of the climb. So take the climb slowly. This is a spectacular walk. Make sure you go to the very top. Do not be put off by people telling you i is a big challenge! The reward is amazing.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimencarnacion
127 contributions
Planning to visit NZ with my boyfriend. Is this place ideal for us? We love hiking and nature and want to know when it's best to visit.
RootsSingapore
Singapore16 contributions
Yes it would be great. Please check online about the weather.
Steph S
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Hi guys,
Have planned to do this hike in late June. Anyone has any idea how snowy/ slippery it would be then? We're reasonably fit but we're just unsure about the conditions then. Would it still be advisable to go around that time? If not, any other recommendations for a hike? Thanks in advance! =o)
Nicole T
Adelaide, Australia58 contributions
Hello!
It was pretty steep and I can imagine parts of the track would be slippery if it has been raining. I would suggest hiking boots if possible, my sneakers did ok though.
Also take water, as it is a bit of a walk to the top!
Also make sure you leave at a decent hour, it does get dark and it can take up to 3 hours to the top and back.
Soni B
New Delhi, India
Hello there. great reviews of Queenstown Hill.But am a lil confused.Is the Gondola ride and Hill walk / hike in the same place? Is it possible to take a gondola up and then walk back to the car park?
Brentwapwap
Queenstown, New Zealand371 contributions
Hi, Queenstown Hill and the Gondola Hill are two different walks.
Queenstown Hill start is at the corner of Kerry Drive and Belfast Terrace in Queenstown - In this walk you will have to walk up and down there is no Gondola. If you go to the top you need about 2 - 3 hours depending on your speed and fitness. You can also go up to the basket which is lower down and will take less time but still has some good views.
The Gondola Hill is in Brecon Street (by the Skyline Gondola) or you can also start in Thompson Street (at the top end) and walk up to the Gondola.
Depending if you want to walk up or walk down - It is possible to take the Gondola either up or down and then walk up or down.
I hope that helps.
Andrew
Shah Alam, Malaysia402 contributions
Is this something that worth doing if I'm taking the Queenstown Gondola?
How is this view compared to the Queenstown Gondola?
Judi D
Park Ridge, IL8 contributions
We also hiked up the hill to the top of the Queenstown gondola. The Queenstown Hill is higher, has unobstructed views and is something you don't want to miss if you are physically able. Go for it!
おこじょ0214
東京35 contributions
2名で17泊の予定ですので、ミニキッチンの調理器具や食器等の詳細が知りたいのです。
冷蔵庫:冷凍室の容量と冷蔵室の容量
電子レンジの有無
フライパンの有無
鍋の大きさと個数
コンロはIHでしょうか?
食器類はどのような品揃えでしょうか?
以上よろしくお願い致します。
mica152015
Vienne, France19 contributions
ou ce trouve le depart de cette randonnée ? merci
Annie B
East Grinstead, UK161 contributions
Le depart est de Belfast terrace. Bon route !
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Claim your listingQueenstown Hill - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown Hill
- We recommend booking Queenstown Hill tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Queenstown Hill tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Queenstown Hill:
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- Hotels near Queenstown Hill:
- (0.02 mi) Belfast Retreat - Views & Spa Pool
- (0.03 mi) Ti Tihi - Overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu
- (0.03 mi) Summit View – Queenstown Central Apartment
- (0.16 mi) Balmoral Lodge
- (0.09 mi) Lake View Villa - picturesque and convenient Queenstown Hill address
- Restaurants near Queenstown Hill:
- (0.18 mi) Oro Restaurant
- (0.34 mi) Rātā
- (0.43 mi) Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience
- (0.45 mi) Blue Kanu
- (0.44 mi) Tatsumi
Queenstown Hill Information
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