
Kelvin Heights Trail
9.3km
0.5–1 hr Bike
1.5–2 hrs Walk
Grade
2
A beautiful sunny trail following the Frankton Arm of Lake Whakatipu, starting with a crossing of the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, originally (and unsuccessfully) designed as a dam to hold back the lake and fossick for gold over 100 years ago. The trail drops in front of the Hilton, shares a short section of road at Willow Place before weaving above sheltered coves, small beaches and picnic spots.
Take care — the trail is narrow and rocky in places, and popular with walkers. Keep left and use your bell.
Beyond the boat ramp and beach at Kelvin Grove, the highlight of the peninsula is the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail — four striking works by New Zealand artists, donated to the local community by a generous anonymous art lover. Look out for Wakatipu Kuikui and Presence by Mark Hill, Thru Link to Peak by Shane Woolridge (a 25-tonne schist and steel sculpture perfectly framing Walter Peak), and The Kelvin Peninsula Goats by Jeff Thompson. Keep an eye out too for Terry’s Cove, a secluded lakeside beach named after the Queenstown Trails Trust’s founding Chairman, Terry Stevens.
Once around the golf course, the trail finishes at Jardine Park — a great family destination with a playground, disc golf course, pump track and flying fox — and the start of the more challenging Jacks Point Trail.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Gateway to Queenstown & Otago, bike friendly arrival & departure, close to the trails.
Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
HeliBikeNZ
Guided Helibike Rides in Queenstown.
209 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Queenstown Golf Club Cafe & Bar
Café & Bar open 7 days. Welcoming all visitors, cyclists, walkers & locals.
759 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300

Queenstown Golf Club
18-hole public golf course at Kelvin Heights with Remarkables views & a great bar and cafe
759 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Luxury lakefront resort on Queenstown's Kelvin Peninsula Trail with Queenstown's largest hotel spa, 25m indoor pool, and trail-side access - top-end accommodation and recovery for trail riders.
79 Peninsula Road, Kawarau Heights, Queenstown 9300

European Bakery
Artisan bakery - fresh bread, cabinet food, pastries and delicious coffee. Open daily from 7am.
22B Margaret Place, Frankton Industrial Estate, Queenstown

Driftaway Queenstown
Budget-friendly camping & cabin accommodation with hot tubs, modern facilities.
11 Lake Avenue,
Frankton,
Queenstown 9300

Fino Restaurant Wine Bar
Nestled on the waterfront at Queenstown Marina, Fino Restaurant & Wine Bar is where exceptional food, exquisite wine, and breathtaking views come together.
Marina Shed 8/9/3 Sugar Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

The Rees Hotel Queenstown
5-star lakefront hotel, secure bike storage, on-site restaurant & concierge trail support
377 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300

Ride to the Sky eBike Tours
eBike Tours with knowledgeable guides - suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Country Lane Retail Village 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Pak 'n Save Queenstown
Supermarket. Open 7 Days, 7am - 10pm
302 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Whizzy E-Bike Adventures
Explore the stunning trails at your own pace with self-guided e-bike adventures. Enjoy hassle-free shuttle transport and convenient hotel pickups. Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting freedom, fun, and breathtaking scenery. Pedal less, see more!
21 Margaret Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

ChargeAbout Queenstown
The finest eBikes available: Retail, workshop, rentals & advice.
77 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Adventure South NZ
Premium fully-supported guided cycling tours on the Queenstown Trails and Central Otago network.
29 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch 8011

Altitude Brewing
Craft brewery dedicated to epic adventures, tall stories and great beers.
827 Frankton Road, Frankton Marina, Queenstown 9300

Arrowtown Bike Hire
Quality bike hire and trail transport in the heart of Arrowtown.
59 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Better by Bike
Better By Bike offers full day bike hire for self-guided rides on the stunning Queenstown trails.
4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Going Blue Adventures
Premium eBikes, self-guided tours, and bike shuttle service.
36/159 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300

Outside Sports
Premium outdoor gear, expert advice & bike rentals for hikers, bikers, skiers, & explorers
9 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Queenstown Bike Hire
MTB & ebike hire, self-guided cycle packages, shuttle services & local expertise.
134 Gorge Road (Crn of Bowen St), Queenstown

The Boat Shed Cafe
The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Cycle or walk along the Frankton Track or arrive by boat to the Frankton Marina. Our seasonal menu features the very best, locally sourced produce and we are fully licensed, offering local wines and beers.
847 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Trail Essentials
Trailhead Locations & Parking
Can be ridden in either direction. Two main starting points, parking available at each:
- Bridge Street, Kawarau Falls Bridge
- Jardine Park, Kelvin Heights
Also multiple entry points along the peninsula.
Toilets & Facilities
Public toilets at Frankton Beach, Bayview Reserve and Kelvin Grove.
Water Stations
Drinking water at Bayview Reserve Park and Jardine Park.
Kelvin Heights Golf Club cafe also welcomes trail users.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 2 – well-maintained gravel trail. Some short narrow sections of exposed rock and tree roots.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Generally >2m, with some sections where the trail narrows to ~1.2m.
Steep Sections:
- The approach to the Kawarau Falls Bridge (on the western side)
- Short climbs and descents between Kawarau Falls Bridge and Kelvin Grove that include steep sections
- Climbs/descents around the Sculpture Trail at the head of the peninsula that include steeper pinches
Bridges: There are several small bridges/boardwalks along the Kelvin Heights Trail; the structures are the same width as the trail.
Surface: The trail surface includes some exposed rocks and tree roots in places, more prevalent around the sculpture trail at the head of the peninsula.
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Busy, popular trail shared by walkers, runners and bikers. Keep speeds down and give way to pedestrians. Some rocky sections around Kelvin Peninsula — ride with care.
Become A Trail Lover
Help Keep Our Trails World-Class.
Every contribution and partnership helps us maintain and grow the Queenstown Trails network. Your support helped us build 45 km of trails last year.

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