Queenstown Hill

Travel Guide

Queenstown featuring tranquil scenes and mountains
Queenstown featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Queenstown featuring a sunset and mountains
Queenstown which includes touring, mountains 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

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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 P8,589 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P8,589
P9,878 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location into town, apart from steep hill but it gets easier every day! Rooms are big and spacious. Bed is comfy. Shower and bathroom a good space. Foyer area great. They also have a dry room to store snow gear which was handy"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P8,799 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P8,799
P10,118 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely view, lovely staff, free parking available, and short walk into town. Shower pressure a bit low."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
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
The price is P6,081 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P6,081
P6,993 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,270 reviews)
"Clean and new building. Friendly staff but a few minutes to walk to any amenities like food"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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.
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 Mar 21, 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! (1,270 reviews)
"Clean and new building. Friendly staff but a few minutes to walk to any amenities like food"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (1,370 reviews)
"Stunning view."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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.