Queenstown Hill

Travel Guide

Queenstown which includes mountains and tranquil scenes
Queenstown showing tranquil scenes and mountains
Queenstown which includes a sunset and mountains
Queenstown featuring mountains, vehicle touring and landscape views
Photo by Ian Smith

Walk through lush forest, enjoy a good workout and be rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables from this sacred mountain.

Queenstown Hill is a 2,976-feet (907-meter) high mountain beside Queenstown. It is a favorite for both locals and tourists for its proximity and sweeping views. It is also known by the Māori name of Te Tapu-nui which means “mountain of intense sacredness.”

From the northeast edge of town on Belfast Terrace, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk makes its way steeply up Queenstown Hill. Step through the gate and wind your way up through the trees. The path was built in the year 2000 to celebrate the millennium. The reference to “Time” in the name reflects that this walk is about the past, present and future of Queenstown. Information panels along the way describe the area's history.

The hill is still a working sheep farm and the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is on land owned by the family who runs the farm, so remember that you are on private land.

As you walk, enjoy the tranquility of the Douglas fir and larch forest that surrounds you. The forest gives way to rolling hills of grassland as you go higher. The trail splits for a while before joining again at a large sculpture called Basket of Dreams. Make sure you stop at this rocky point to appreciate its symbolic meaning and the panoramic views.

Look down on Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Across the water, The Remarkables and Cecil Peak are some of the more celebrated giants of this mountain-rich landscape. If you want to take it easy, just turn back here. If you have some energy left, another third of a mile (half a kilometer) will reward you with more extensive views.

The whole walk takes between 1.5 to 3 hours return, depending on your fitness and the weather. The walk is suitable for any time of year and each season has a new mood to share. Bring sun protection and water along in summer and be aware you could be walking through snow in winter.

Queenstown Hill can be reached by car but is also easily accessed from the town center on foot. A small carpark on Belfast Terrace marks the start of the trail. Parking here is free of charge.

Where to stay in Queenstown Hill

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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is S$239 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$239
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient location on Frankton road. Rooms were spacious quiet and warm. Car parking is free."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is S$200 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$200
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Fantastic property with friendly staff and convenient location!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$200 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$200
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,360 reviews)
"Very nice property with everything you need close to town."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A LUCKIE CHARM - 3-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW

A LUCKIE CHARM - 3-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW

4 out of 5
4B Luckie Lane, Queenstown Hill, Otago
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Queenstown Hill. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions The Remarkables Ski Area and Frankton Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Amazing views!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar, 2025

A LUCKIE CHARM - 3-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,360 reviews)
"Very nice property with everything you need close to town."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"Friendly staff, comfy bed. Clean and modern . Daily housekeeping."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.