Discover the Queenstown Hill / Te Tapu-nui Walk
Rising steeply above the town centre, Queenstown Hill – or Te Tapu-nui, “the mountain of intense sacredness” – is one of the most popular short hikes in Queenstown. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk offers a mix of cultural storytelling, creative surprises, and some of the most accessible panoramic views in the region. It's a steep and rewarding walk that starts in an exotic pine forest and finishes on wide tussock-covered ridgelines and hilltops with spectacular views in every direction.
The main destination for most walkers is the Basket of Dreams sculpture, but the trail extends much higher for those looking to escape the crowds and take in a full 360-degree alpine panorama. This is Queenstown’s classic half-day hike, suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and a bit of time to spare.
From Forest to Summit
The trail begins at the top of Belfast Terrace, just above central Queenstown. From the start, it climbs steeply to the northeast into a dense exotic pine forest. At about the halfway mark, the track becomes a loop, with one side following the south face of the hill deep in the pines and the other more open to the sun. On the other hand, the southside track is better maintained, plus you get to see the fairy village. This is a growing collection of small stone cairns, miniature houses and ornaments tucked into the forest, created and added to by locals and visitors over the years.
The climb continues until the forest gives way to open, golden tussock slopes, with a small tarn, and a short walk to the Basket of Dreams on the ridge, a large circular steel frame designed to inspire contemplation at 730 metres. Note that this viewpoint across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu is becoming obstructed by the growth of the pine trees. The tarn reflects the surrounding mountains in calm conditions.
From here, the track continues as a 4WD path upwards to a first hilltop. The extra effort to reach 841 metres is definitely worth it, with open tussock and grasslands and big skies. There are 360-degree views back over Queenstown and Ben Lomond, across the lake to Walter Peak, the Remarkables, Crown Range to the east and Coronet Peak. You can also see the continuation of the undulating 4WD track to the actual Queestown Hill peak, a further 2.5 km to the east.
When to Go and What to Know
The walk is suitable year-round, although snow may occasionally affect the upper ridgelines in winter. In summer, the track is dry and dusty, with little shade once out of the forest. Bring water, wear good footwear, and pack layers as the weather can change quickly at altitude. Avoid the tops in foul weather.
The Stories Beneath Your Feet
The Māori name Te Tapu-nui reflects the cultural importance of this hill to Ngāi Tahu, the iwi with mana whenua over the area. There is a plaque explaining the name just beyond the fairy village.
As you climb the first stage of the track to the Basket of Dreams, a series of Time Walk interpretation panels offer insights into both Māori and European history, including stories of early settlement and changes to the landscape over time. The installation encourages reflection on the layered history of the region and the interplay between people and the land.
How to Get There
As you approach the town centre on Stanley Street, access to the trailhead via Sydney Street is clearly signposted. Go up Sydney Street for two blocks, then turn left onto Hallenstein Street for one block, followed by a right onto Edgar Street, which becomes Kerry Drive. Continue on Kerry Drive, and you will see the trailhead near the corner of Kerry Drive and Belfast Terrace. There is curbside parking. It takes only a minute by car or a 10-minute walk from Stanley Street.
Queenstown Hill is close to many other attractions. After your walk, it’s an easy downhill stroll to Queenstown Gardens or the lakefront and one of the town’s many cafes for a post-hike reward. Other fabulous walks in the region include Wye Creek, Lake Alta (in Summer), Sawpit Gully and New Chum Gully near Arrowtown, and Mt Chrichton Track. For a longer and more intense day out, consider the Ben Lomond Track, which takes you to 748 metres, with the Queenstown Gondola providing a partial shortcut.
