Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown, Otago, 9300
Set on a knob of land jutting out into Lake Wakatipu, these gardens offer a quiet respite from the noise of town, with a variety of trees including Douglas firs, sequoias, and monkey puzzles creating a natural barrier. Shoreside paths leading around the edge offer spectacular views of the lake and the ragged peaks of the Remarkables.
The basics
Follow trails at Queenstown Gardens to reach duck-filled ponds, quiet benches, a rose garden, and a boulder-style memorial dedicated to Captain Robert Scott, the leader of an ill-fated mission to the South Pole in 1912. The scenic lakeside path at the park’s edge is often on the route of Segway and cycling tours of the city, while many photography tours use the park as a shooting location.
If soaking up the scenery isn’t enough, you'll find plenty of sports and entertainment facilities at the park too, including a disc golf course, a bowling club, tennis courts, a skate park, and the Queenstown Ice Arena, with an indoor skating rink.
Things to know before you go
*You can rent frisbees for the disc golf course at the Queenstown Ice Arena.
*There are restrooms, a play space, and a café in Queenstown Gardens.
*Paths at the park are suitable for strollers and wheelchair users.
How to get there
There is ample parking at Queenstown Gardens, though if you’re coming from town, there's no need to drive: walking from Mall Street takes just 5–10 minutes.
When to get there
The best time to come is in summer, with the roses reaching peak bloom in December. Lake views from the park are especially spectacular in the golden glow of sunset.
The Queenstown Trail
The Queenstown Trail is a 68-mile (110-kilometer) cycling and walking route, part of which crosses through Queenstown Gardens. For more scenic strolls, follow the trail beyond the park’s boundaries, where it weaves by lakes and through quiet countryside. Highlights include the Gibbston River Trail section, which runs along vineyards, and the Lake Hayes Circuit, a loop trail with mountain and lake views.
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