Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
The Frankton Track is a scenic walking and cycling trail that follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range. This easy, well-maintained path is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its gentle gradient and accessible terrain, making it perfect for a relaxing outing or a family adventure.
Highlights & What to See
- Lake Wakatipu Views: The track runs alongside the lake, providing ever-changing vistas of its deep blue waters and the surrounding mountains.
- The Remarkables: This dramatic mountain range dominates the skyline, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.
- Birdlife: Keep an eye out for native birds such as paradise ducks, black swans, and the occasional heron.
- Cycling and Walking: The track is shared by walkers and cyclists, with plenty of benches to stop and soak in the scenery.
- Queenstown Gardens: At the southern end, you can explore these beautiful botanical gardens with mature trees and a lakeside beach.
Suggested Time to Spend
The Frankton Track is 5.5 km (3.4 miles) one way, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk or 20–30 minutes to cycle. Many visitors choose to walk or cycle one way and catch a water taxi back to Queenstown, making for a half-day outing. If you're combining it with a visit to the Queenstown Gardens or a picnic by the lake, allow 2–3 hours total.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Queenstown Gardens: Located at the track's southern end, these gardens offer a peaceful escape with walking paths, a children's playground, and a frisbee golf course.
- Queenstown Bay: A popular spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach.
- Ben Lomond Track: For more adventurous hikers, this challenging trail offers panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from the summit.
- Glenorchy: A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, this charming town is the gateway to the Paradise area and offers stunning views of the Dart River and Mount Earnslaw.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Queenstown Gardens — fr:Utilisateur:FRED The original uploader was FRED at French Wikipedia . / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Queenstown Bay — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Ben Lomond Track — CC BY-SA 2.0 de
- Glenorchy — Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Lake Wakatipu — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Remarkables — Nick Bramhall from Tillicoultry, Scotland / CC BY-SA 2.0