Otago · Moderate · 2-3 days

Queenstown & Arrowtown

Alpine lakes, gold rush history & mountain views

28.4 km walking103 km driving2 days10 stops

Best for Scenery, History.

Dogs on this trip. Dogs are welcome on every trail on this route: the Queenstown and Arrowtown townships, the lakefront gardens, and Bob's Cove Scenic Reserve. Twelve Mile Delta is a DOC campsite where dogs are allowed under control, but carry water - the lakeside tracks have little shade and get hot in summer. The real seasonal hazard is poison: 1080 and rabbit-control (Pindone) operations run across the Wakatipu basin and Arrow catchment, so check DOC and QLDC alerts before you go, and keep the dog close at the Arrow River crossings, which run cold and swift after rain.

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Day 1

Lakeside Queenstown

1
Bob's Cove Track
Dogs allowed11.1 km · Easy · 3–3.5 hr
Hidden cove with stunning lake views - the morning headliner, just west of camp.
~17 km drive
2
Queenstown Gardens Loop
Dogs allowed1.9 km · Easy · 0.5–1 hr
Flat waterfront stroll through town, great for dogs.
3
Yonder
Dogs at outdoor tables
Yonder - dog-friendly courtyard cafe by the gardens for coffee and lunch (outdoor tables).
~3 km drive
4
Kelvin Heights Peninsula Loop
Dogs allowed3.5 km · Easy · 0.5–1 hr
Frankton Arm's north-shore walkway is closed, so this easy lakeside loop across the arm is the scenic stand-in.
~14 km drive
5
Twelve Mile Delta Campsite
Dogs allowed
Lakeside DOC campsite for the overnight stop. Check current fees and availability with DOC.
~34 km drive to Day 2

Day 2

Historic Arrowtown

1
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement Walk
Dogs allowed0.5 km · Easy · about 8 min
Historic gold mining settlement on the edge of the village.
2
Arrow River Bridges Trail
Dogs allowed4.0 km · Easy · 1–1.5 hr
Gorge scenery and suspension bridges along the old gold river.
3
New Chum Loop
Dogs allowed7.4 km · Moderate
Shady bush walk near town to stretch the legs.
4
Fork and Tap
Dogs at outdoor tables
Fork and Tap - Arrowtown craft-beer pub with a dog-welcoming beer garden.
~35 km drive
5
Twelve Mile Delta Campsite
Dogs allowed
Drive back to the lakeside base for a second night.

Banks’ tip. Twelve Mile Delta is a lakeside DOC campsite. Check DOC for current fees, booking arrangements and availability before you travel.

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