Kingston: A Gateway to Lake Wakatipu
Kingston, located at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, is a charming lakeside experience with its inviting beach and lakefront reserve. This town is historic, having once served as the terminus of the railway, with goods transported by boat from Kingston up the southeast arm of Lake Wakatipu to Frankton and Queenstown.
Although the development of State Highway 8 along the lake's edge eventually replaced this mode of transport, the Kingston Flyer continues to provide tourists with a steam engine train excursion.
Cycle and Walking Trails
Kingston is a key point on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, which goes south around the Eyre Mountains, then heads north back to Lake Whakatipu at Walters Peak, opposite Queenstown. This trail offers cyclists a scenic journey through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. For those who prefer a short walk, the Shirt Tail Track starts above the railway station and café and leads to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking Kingston.
How to Get There
To reach Kingston, travel along State Highway 6 from Queenstown to the north or from Lumsden to the south, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from either direction. The route offers scenic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, with spectacular viewpoints at Drift Bay, Wye Creek and the Devils Staircase.
Heading south, you can discover the wonderful scenery on this part of the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau.
