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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$242 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$242
13 Jul - 14 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! (1,003 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
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is S$249 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$249
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Wonderful property. Great location. Lovely customer service from Shay on arrival. Great staff all around. Great breakfast. Our daughter loved the kids club facilities and movie night program. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is S$328 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$328
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
"Friendly and very helpful staff; great amenities and facilities; excellent dining experience with exquisite meals and awesome meal presentation!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
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
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! (1,249 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
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! (1,356 reviews)
"Fantastic View and close walking distance to town"

Reviewed on 6 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.