Queenstown Hill Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Queenstown featuring tranquil scenes and mountains
Queenstown which includes tranquil scenes and mountains
Queenstown showing a sunset and mountains
Queenstown which includes mountains, landscape views and touring
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
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is AU$214 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$214
17 Oct - 18 Oct
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great locations, street parking"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is AU$325 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$325
16 Oct - 17 Oct
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! (500 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and super friendly, particularly Jamie at the front desk and the breakfast wait staff. We highly recommend this hotel!!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
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 AU$171 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$171
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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! (1,326 reviews)
"There was a small mix-up with our room booking on arrival, but it was later resolved and the refund was processed. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well-located. A special thank-you to Kevin at reception for his outstanding help and kindness throughout our stay — he truly made a difference."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 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.
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! (1,326 reviews)
"There was a small mix-up with our room booking on arrival, but it was later resolved and the refund was processed. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well-located. A special thank-you to Kevin at reception for his outstanding help and kindness throughout our stay — he truly made a difference."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 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! (1,410 reviews)
"Clean room, friendly staff, beautiful location and close to the heart of Queenstown"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Quest Queenstown

Quest Queenstown

4 out of 5
34 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown, Otago
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (399 reviews)
"Great spot to land after flying into Queenstown. Very clean, well equipped, good sized 1-bedroom unit. Would stay again"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Quest 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.

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