Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
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Information
A ‘lite’ version of Ben Lomond. With some artistic scope for reflection and good views up Lake Wakatipu.
Access
There is a parking area on Belfast Terrace where the start of the track is signposted.
The access roads are all very steep and not suited to large campervans.
Track
Climb steadily into the Douglas fir forest, entering through the Time Walk Gateway and poignant plaque. A series of interpretation panels guide you up the hill - this track was earmarked as a Millennium celebration so aims to spawn a reflection on past and future.
Shortly after the rock cairn fairy garden (you will get it when you see it), the track forks to form the loop.
Keeping right, soon after exiting forest the dramatic views unfold.
At the Basket of Dreams sculpture and alpine tarn (which reflects the peaks), the loop track continues straight ahead towards the lake.It then descends back to the forest to rejoin the main track.
To climb Queenstown Hill (907m) proper is a further 30 minutes return from the Basket of Dreams, heading up the hill further. These views are the best of the track.
Fauna
Listen for the rustling of feral goats, browsing everything in sight.
European History
For the nations subscribing to the Christian Calendar, the Millennium was a turning point and celebrated in a variety of ways. Here, the Queenstown Hill Walk was renamed the Time Walk.
Details
Moderate walk
2 to 4 hours
DOC Managed
Walking track
Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 32.
Mike Fricker
Ranking: 10/10
26Oct18. Parts of this walk are very steep. Paths good. Great views when you get to the top.
Sarah Horley
Ranking: 10/10
Great view. 500m climb but easy path. Take suncream.
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Laia Pujol
Ranking: 10/10
Interesting information about the Maori culture and the history of the area that makes the walk easier to the top of the hills where you can enjoy the great views.
Franziska Lobe
Ranking: 7/10
Nice track through the forest with a beautiful view of the city!
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Saskia Irblich
Ranking: 7/10
The walk was really hard, but it was beautiful to walk through the forest. The view at the top was great.
Hailey S
Ranking: 9/10
Free version of the gondola! Good family activity. Not too steep. Beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and town. Well worth it. Carpark right by the start of the track. Also has a turn off to Basket of Dreams.
Pascale Lemieux
Ranking: 9/10
Easy access from a short walk from the town centre. Two options, the short walk up to the Basket of Dreams sculpture or a two hour longer walk that takes you up higher. Great view of the Remarkables and Wakatipu Lake. 2 thumbs up.
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Daniel Idiart
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful view over the Lake Wakatipu and the mountains, the track is moderate, not difficult but you sweat enough to appreciate what you got at the end.
Floriane Desnoyer
Ranking: 9/10
Go up in the trees for 1 hour 30 minutes. It is a little boring but the views up there are totally worth it! Lake Wakatipu is just amazing!!
Ellie
Ranking: 6/10
A good afternoon stroll with wicked views of the lake and the Remarkables.
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Nadav Knoll
Ranking: 7/10
Nice view to the city, about 1.5 hours return.
Remi Lopez
Ranking: 9/10
Easy hike with a wonderful view of the lake and city at the top. Two to three hours return.
Saskia Luecke
Ranking: 9/10
Took us two hours to get up, we arrived exhausted as especially the beginning is really steep but was definitely worth it! Stunning views from the Summit! Bring your big jackets though, very windy and cold up there!
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
Nick Morrison
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