Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown, NZ

This easy walk around Kelvin Peninsula is a short drive from Queenstown, and provides views of the area’s most iconic landmarks.

Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown

This relatively easy walk around the Kelvin Peninsula provides grandstand views of Lake Wakatipu, various peaks over the water, of Queenstown and Ben Lomond, and also the Remarkables. If golf is more your thing then the peninsula has a very picturesque golf course. It’s a fifteen minute drive from Queenstown around Frankton Arm to the fancy pants suburb of Kelvin Heights, where you can park your car; (and about 7-8 minutes from Frankton). The track runs around the outside of the peninsula and golf course, and is easy to find.

We are lucky enough to stay in Kelvin Heights when holidaying in the Queenstown area, so we just wander out the back of the house to start on this trail, or else along the connected Jacks Point Track.

Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
On an obvious track the whole way. Just keep close to the water and avoid flying golf balls! Can link with the track to Jacks Point or to Frankton, or you can just return to your car if you parked on a nearby street.

Kelvin Peninsula Walk: The Scenery

It was pretty windy when we did this walk on Christmas Day 2016, but I’ve included a couple of very contrasting photos from May 2017, when the weather conditions were picture-perfect calm.

Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
The Remarkable(s &) Sophia.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu and Cecil Peak. The water was a bit choppy in the wind.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
An appropriately windy looking sculpture.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Sophia soaking up the heat from a stone bench. She’s a bit of a lizard.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Looking towards Ben Lomond (1748m) and bits of Queenstown.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Water skiing on the sheltered side of the peninsula.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
It was Christmas Day after all.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak (1978m), Bayonet Peaks (left), Walter Peak (right). Such a calm and clear day, in contrast to Christmas 2016 when we did the whole walk. This shot from May 2017.
Kelvin Peninsula Walk, near Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu and Cecil Peak (1978m), plus Bayonet Peaks on the left, and Walter Peak just ‘peaking’ out on the right of Cecil Peak. (May 2017).

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *