Last Updated on: 31 May 2025

Why walk the Jack’s Point Track?

I’ll never forget the moment I rounded the bend and caught my first glimpse of Lake Wakatipu shimmering below, framed perfectly by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables. It was one of those postcard scenes you’d swear was edited, except this one was entirely real — and I was in the middle of it, grinning like I’d just stumbled into a dream.

Jack’s Point Track isn’t the most famous walk near Queenstown, but that’s exactly its charm. You get jaw-dropping views without the elbow-jostling crowds of the more touristy trails. The path undulates gently through golden tussock grasslands, with dramatic backdrops around every corner. It’s the kind of walk that makes you feel like you’re in a real-life nature documentary — minus the voiceover and with far better snacks.

As Sandra, our local walk specialist, puts it:
“Jack’s Point is a golden nugget — scenic, serene, and surprisingly quiet. It’s my go-to for an easy alpine fix without the uphill slog.”

Whether you’re squeezing in a short adventure between winery visits, or looking for a tranquil escape from the adrenaline overload of Queenstown, this track ticks all the right boxes.

🥾 Walk Overview

FactsDetails
Location:Jack’s Point, Queenstown
Nearest town or region:Queenstown (15 mins drive)
Distance:5.6 km (one-way)
Time required:1.5–2 hours one-way
Difficulty level:Easy to moderate
Track type:One-way (can return same route or arrange transport)
Dog-friendly:No (private land restrictions)
Kid-friendly:Yes (suitable for confident walkers)
Wheelchair accessible:No
Toilets nearby:Yes (at Jack’s Point Clubhouse and Jardine Park)
Best time to go:Autumn for colour, early morning for stillness
Are Drones allowed:No (private land, residential area)
Are bikes allowed:No (walking track only)

Map location and directions

🚗 Getting There

Car park location:

  • Start: Jardine Park (Peninsula Rd)
  • End: Jack’s Point Clubhouse

Parking availability:

  • Jardine Park: space for 15–20 cars, no shade, free
  • Jack’s Point: larger parking by golf course and Clubhouse

Public transport options: None directly to trailheads. Taxi or rideshare recommended.

Entry fees / permits required: None

Signage to the start of the walk: Clearly marked from Jardine Park car park

🥾 Track Details

  • Track surface: Gravel path with some grassy and rocky sections
  • Track condition: Well maintained, can be slightly boggy after rain
  • Elevation gain / stairs or steep sections: Some rolling hills, gentle climbs, no major elevation gain
  • Estimated pace or fitness level required: Low to moderate fitness, suitable for most walkers

Any alternative routes or extensions?

  • Continue around the shore to Kelvin Heights (extra 3.5 km)
  • Combine with a coffee at Jack’s Point Clubhouse

🌿 What You’ll See

  • Remarkables mountain range
  • Lake Wakatipu shoreline
  • Native tussock grasslands
  • Lichen-covered rocks and schist outcrops
  • Falcons, skylarks, finches
  • Golf course greens in the distance
  • Artistically landscaped stone walls and pines
  • Occasional rabbits (cute but cheeky)

Walk directions:

  1. Start at Jardine Park car park. Follow the gravel path towards the lake.
  2. Veer left onto the Jack’s Point Track at the first signpost.
  3. The trail weaves along the lower slopes of Peninsula Hill, dipping towards the lake in places.
  4. At about halfway, take a breather on the bench seat — it’s a killer photo stop.
  5. Continue along the shore, eventually heading inland near the golf course.
  6. The track finishes at Jack’s Point Clubhouse.

🧽 Navigation & Safety

  • Phone reception: Good at start and end, patchy mid-trail
  • Map needed? No, well signposted and easy to follow
  • Any parts where people commonly go the wrong way? Some veer off onto the golf cart path near the end — follow the walking signs!
  • Weather considerations: Can be exposed to wind; trail dries fast after rain but can be boggy in hollows

🧲 What to Bring

  • Recommended footwear: Trail shoes or light hiking boots
  • Water needed: Bring 1–1.5 litres — no refill spots mid-walk
  • Snacks or lunch: Picnic bench mid-trail or finish at Jack’s Point Clubhouse
  • Sun and weather protection: Hat, sunscreen, windbreaker — it’s open country
  • Insect repellent? Optional — sandflies are rare here

Optional extras:

  • Camera or phone for scenic shots
  • Binoculars for bird spotting
  • Togs if you dare a dip (very cold water!)

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest café or food option: Jack’s Point Clubhouse — excellent coffee, lunch, and cake
  • Picnic tables or sheltered spots: One bench seat mid-track, open areas for picnics
  • Playgrounds or family-friendly extras nearby: Jardine Park has open space and room to run around
  • Accommodation nearby: Jack’s Point has luxury lodges, otherwise Queenstown is close

Insider Tips

  • Start early — the light on the lake is best before 9am
  • Walk it one-way, then have brunch and taxi back to the car
  • In late summer, wild thyme grows along the track — crush a leaf and smell the magic
  • Bring your best camera, not just your phone — this walk is photogenic from every angle
  • There’s a hidden swing near the halfway bench — keep your eyes peeled!

📍 Useful Links

Queenstown i-SITE Visitor Centre

5 closest walks:

  1. Kelvin Peninsula Track
  2. Queenstown Hill Time Walk
  3. Frankton Arm Walkway
  4. Ben Lomond Track
  5. Lake Hayes Loop

👤 My Experience on This Walk

Date of walk: Feb 2025
Weather and track conditions: Blue skies, calm lake, dry trail
What I personally loved: The stillness. You hear your footsteps more than people. That halfway bench view — I stayed there 20 minutes.
Any unexpected moments: A falcon swooped low over the tussock. Magic.
Tips I’d give based on doing it myself: Bring a windproof layer even on a sunny day, and don’t rush — take your time and soak in every view.

Walker Testimonial:
“Peaceful and postcard-perfect. I did it solo in April and only passed four other walkers. Felt like I had the entire lake to myself.”
— Maria L., Wellington, walked April 2024

🖋️ Final Thoughts

  • What stood out the most:
    The balance of wild beauty and gentle ease. It feels remote, yet it’s just 15 minutes from Queenstown.
  • Who I’d recommend this walk for:
    Families, solo walkers, photographers, and anyone wanting a nature hit without climbing a mountain.
  • Would I do it again?
    Absolutely — and next time, I’m staying for lunch at the Clubhouse.
  • What I’d do differently next time:
    Walk it later in the afternoon to catch golden hour on the return journey.

FAQ’s

Can I walk it both directions?
Yes — it’s lovely both ways, though you’ll notice different views each direction.

Is it safe to walk alone?
Very. It’s close to residential areas, well maintained, and popular with locals.

Can I cycle this track?
No, this is a walking-only track. Cyclists can explore nearby trails like the Twin Rivers Trail.

See more of my walks in Otago Region