You might think that the road between Glenorchy and Queenstown is stunning, but there are a number of walking tracks accessible from the road that provide even better views and a more rewarding experience.
One of these is the track that runs between the shore of Lake Wakatipu and the Glenorchy Road and stretches from Twelve Mile Delta to Bobs Cove.
Although a really easy walk (it's pushing it to call it a hike), this track is much more scenic and interesting than expected.
Start at the Twelve Mile Delta campground which offers great views looking back towards the Remarkables. Following the creek, a small bridge takes you over a narrow but beautiful gorge complete with waterfall. The water looks so inviting and I imagine people swim up to the falls in summer.
Start at the Twelve Mile Delta campground which offers great views looking back towards the Remarkables. Following the creek, a small bridge takes you over a narrow but beautiful gorge complete with waterfall. The water looks so inviting and I imagine people swim up to the falls in summer.
There are a couple of sections of uphill, but they only last for roughly 50 meters at a time. The signs always over-estimate here and I would say that competent walkers would take about 45 minutes to an hour one way.
The trails around this area take you through native bush which isn't seen so much around Queenstown itself. The combination of lush greenery, snow capped mountains and pebbly beaches really makes this trail worthwhile for anyone wanting to get those quintessential Lake Wakatipu shots. Oh, and did I mention that part of Lord of the Rings was filmed on the Twelve Mile Delta?
There are some ruins of an old hut and a kiln just before you head up to Picnic Point. Around this area there is also a dominance of Eucalypts. Although they were brought in for the timber industry, they are enchanting to walk through and a good contrast from the native, more scrubby vegetation.
When you begin the track at Twelve Mile Delta, you can turn around at the Picnic Point or Bobs Cove. (Or you might be able to hitch or catch the ferry from Bobs Cove so you don't have to retrace your steps). The Picnic Point is a small scramble up a hill which is out on a peninsula, thus offering superb views in all directions. We got there around 3 which meant there was a lot of shadow. This didn't detract from the beauty though! The below is looking in the direction of Glenorchy.
I would highly recommend the track to anyone who wants a relatively easy walk along the lake whilst also enjoying the native forest. It's away from traffic and noise and highlights the magical element of Lake Wakatipu.
For more information, the Department of Conservation is a great resource.
This is a short one, so there is little need for a packed lunch unless you want to sit with a sandwich at Picnic Point. We recommend simply picking up a small tray of delicious sushi from town to keep you going. There are plenty of Japanese sushi bars to choose from and it is a great way of getting some protein and omega-3 from the sashimi and nori. We love salmon rolls and seaweed salad from Hikari take away in The Mall.
For more information, the Department of Conservation is a great resource.
This is a short one, so there is little need for a packed lunch unless you want to sit with a sandwich at Picnic Point. We recommend simply picking up a small tray of delicious sushi from town to keep you going. There are plenty of Japanese sushi bars to choose from and it is a great way of getting some protein and omega-3 from the sashimi and nori. We love salmon rolls and seaweed salad from Hikari take away in The Mall.