Frankton Track
Distance 8.5km
Time 0.5-1hr bike, 1.5-2 hrs walk
Level Easy (Grade 2)
Lake Wakatipu Trail Elevation3Click and hold the Image to zoom

Frankton Track

Queenstown Gardens to Frankton

Connecting Queenstown to Frankton, the Frankton Track meanders along Frankton Arm, offering a wide and easy trail suitable for families.  At Frankton Beach, the trail continues to Kawarau Falls Bridge, where the Twin Rivers and Kelvin Peninsula Trails begin.  Frankton Track is a popular commuter trail, and provides a safe, off-road link from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown for those wishing to make the journey on foot or by bike.

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens Te Kararo marks the official start of the Queenstown Great Ride.  Frankton Track starts on Marine Parade, following the shoreline of Lake Whakatipu.  Spot the Lady of the Lake TSS Earnslaw as she steams in or out of harbor, and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks.  The Queenstown Gardens are tranquil and well worth exploring year round.

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Frankton Arm

Frankton Track meanders beside Frankton Arm between Queenstown and Frankton Beach.  There are several picnic and paddling spots beside the trail, and several linking pathways to provide access to Frankton Road and Queenstown Hill.

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Frankton Marina

Frankton Marina is home to restaurants, cafes and a brewery.  Frankton Marina is a great place to stop for a rest or refreshments.

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Frankton Beach

Frankton Beach is a gorgeous picnic and swimming spot, equipped with BBQ, Toilets and shelter.  Follow the beach around to the Kawarau Falls Bridge and the start of the Twin Rivers Trail, or head into Frankton for shops, food and public transport options.

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By Bike
By Foot

Trail Description

Grade 2 / Easy 

6 km one way

Begin at the Queenstown Gardens entrance by the Bathhouse on Marine Parade and follow the signposts all the way along the lakefront. Stop at the Frankton Marina for coffee, a meal or a craft beer, then follow the signs to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge. This is where the Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River - it's well worth pausing here to admire the crystal clear waters below. 

 

Tip

  1. Adaptive Trail: The Frankton Track is suitable for prams, wheel chairs and adaptive bikes, there are some steeper sections (Queenstown Gardens and Battery Hill), and a some areas where the trail shares the footpath (Park Street).  Note:  The trail surface includes small tree roots and some rougher sections.
  2. Public Transport between Queenstown and Frankton offer an alternative way home if an out and back, or round-trip doesn't appeal.
  3. Frankton Township includes three large shopping precincts and super markets:  Remarkable's Park, Queenstown Central and Five Mile.
  4. Queenstown Airport is located in Frankton, so the Frankton Track offers an off-road option to reach Queenstown to or from the airport.

Trail Description

6km one way 

Begin at the Queenstown Gardens entrance by the Bathhouse on Marine Parade and follow the signposts all the way along the lakefront. Stop for coffee at the Boatshed at Frankton Marina then continue along the lake edge to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, which in 2018 became pedestrians only. This is where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River - it's well worth pausing here to admire the crystal clear waters below. 

 

On a hot day

Frankton Beach is very shallow and calm - the ideal spot to paddle hot tired feet!

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About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Plan and prepare
  • Code of Conduct
  • Transport & Guiding
  • FAQ's

Getting there

Parking is available at the start of the Frankton Track either in the Queenstown Gardens or Park Street (some time limits apply), in Frankton Marina (paid) or at Frankton Beach. 

Transport is readily available to and from Queenstown for you and your bikes - visit our Trail Directory for a list of tour operators and bike transport

The Frankton Track links to the Twin Rivers Trail and Kelvin Peninsula Trail at the Kawarau Falls Bridge.  

Plan and prepare

This site is loaded with maps, information and advice, Here’s how to get the most out of it:

1.       Choose your ride: You’ll be spoilt for choice – so many options, so many trails. a Find trail to suit your experience and timeframes.

2.       Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out our Official Partners directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.

3.       Download a map or the Great Rides app

4.       Watch the Queenstown Trail video

For more information on how to stay safe on your trip go here 

Code of Conduct

Respect Others

  • Keep left
  • Signal your approach to other trail users
  • Be courteous and give way to pedestrians
  • Slow down and stay in control of your bike
  • Keep dogs under control

Respect the Rules

  • Stay on the trail, do not enter private property
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Do not disturb livestock

Respect the Trails

  • Don't skid, cut corners or make new lines
  • Take your rubbish home
  • Be prepared (carry food, water, first aid, tools and warm clothes)

Share the Road

  • Stay left and follow the road rules
  • Ride predictably and signal your intentions

MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL

Transport & Guiding

Many of our Trusted Partners offer guided tours and shuttles to and from the start and end points of the trails - allowing you to ultimately tailor your trail experience and pick up tons of local knowledge and discover secret spots along the way!

Click here to see our Directory of Tour Operators.

FAQ's

Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.

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