This is a really lovely, short, totally flat walk around the Queenstown gardens following the lake front track out to the peninsular.
It’s only 2k and will take around 25 mins to walk. I choose to walk right around the lake front instead of cutting in about half way round, I then cut back up Park St to the entrance of the gardens to complete the walk. The views out across the lake are wonderful. The start is easy to find at the end of the beach right in the heart of Queenstown, look for the old pavilion cafe.
There is a cool frisbee golf course within the botanical gardens, you should try this, it’s really fun.
Queenstown Bay beach
The Queenstown Gardens are located at the far end of the beach at Queenstown Bay. This has to be one of the best lake beaches in New Zealand. After your walk, why not take a scenic cruise around the lake on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to see Queenstown from a different angle. You’ll also get excellent views of Queenstown Bay from the top of the Skyline Gondola.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 25 mins
- Distance: 2 km
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: Loop
- Elevation: Flat
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes in the reserve
- Dogs: Yes, on a leash
- Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
- Last Updated: March, 2020
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Summary points about this walk
Points of interest along the walk
Point 1: Start of the Queenstown Gardens walk
If you’re coming from the main part of town, make your way down to the beach, turn left towards the peninsular and walk on the big wide concrete path. You’ll see a bar come café in a really cute old pavilion right on the beach, along with a big playground for the kids. There’s also a rope swing across a narrow stream, but don’t worry – there’s a nice big solid bridge to cross.
Point 2: Walking around the peninsular
5 minutes into the walk you’ll see a fork in the path, just keep to the right and follow along the lake front edge. There are a few different paths to choose from in the Queenstown Gardens, however we walked right around the peninsula instead of the recommended cut back through the middle. There are some great views along this part of the track. I really like the wooden pier with it’s boats moored there, it’s a nice place to stop for a photo view back towards town. There are plenty of seats to stop and admire the wonderful views out towards the Remarkable Mountain range.
Point 3: End section & the Queenstown Gardens
Towards the end of the walk is through lovely pine trees. We did the Queenstown Gardens walk in summer, Feb, which is the best time to see it. There’s a rose garden and plenty of other flowers scattered around along with a pond full of lilies. Relax on the seat near the little bridge, it makes for a great photo, it’s a very peaceful spot. You’ll end up at the top of the gardens, take the steep track down to join up in the middle of Queenstown again.
