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Fernhill, Queenstown
7.5 km
3 hours 30 minutes
498 metres
If you find yourself in Queenstown and the bustling crowds of the CBD are starting to feel a little overwhelming, there is a sanctuary waiting just minutes away. The Fernhill Loop Track is one of those local secrets that manages to feel like a deep-country expedition while still being within earshot of a morning flat white. It’s a 7.5km journey that offers a quintessential slice of the Otago backcountry: think thick native beech forest, rugged mountain vistas, and the kind of quiet that only the Southern Alps can provide.
Don’t let the fact that this trail starts near a residential suburb fool you; the Fernhill Loop Track is a proper workout that demands respect and a decent pair of boots. This is a 7.5km loop that typically takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on how often you stop to catch your breath or snap photos of the scenery. With an elevation gain of 498 metres, you’re essentially climbing half a vertical kilometre, and the terrain is unapologetically "Kiwi."
Most locals will tell you to tackle the loop in a clockwise direction. By heading up the steeper western side first, you get the hardest work out of the way while your legs are fresh. This section is a steady, heart-pumping climb through dense native beech forest. The track here is "gnarly" in the best way possible—expect to navigate a maze of exposed tree roots and uneven stones. It feels primal and ancient, a stark contrast to the manicured streets of central Queenstown.
As you ascend through the switchbacks, the canopy occasionally breaks to offer "teaser" views of Lake Wakatipu. However, the real magic happens when you break out of the treeline. The forest gives way to open tussock land, and suddenly, the world opens up. You’ll find yourself looking down onto the Fernhill suburb and out across the vast, cobalt waters of the lake. To the east, the Remarkables live up to their name, their jagged silhouettes dominating the horizon. To the north, the looming presence of Ben Lomond serves as a reminder of the scale of this landscape.
The descent on the eastern portion of the loop is generally more gradual, allowing your knees a bit of a break. However, keep your wits about you; this is a shared-use area. You’ll likely see (or hear) mountain bikers cruising through the lower sections. The trail network here is a bit of a "choose your own adventure" situation due to various bike tracks crisscrossing the main walking path. It’s easy to take a wrong turn, so having a map handy is a must.
Parking is available at the Wynyard Crescent Car Park, located near the electricity substation, or at smaller spots near the Fernhill Roundabout and Lomond Crescent. While not extensive, spaces are usually sufficient as the track is less frequented by mass tourism. The trailhead is also easily accessible from Queenstown by walking or taking public transport (the #1 bus to Fernhill).
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Ninox novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only surviving native owl, the ruru is named for its haunting 'more-pork' call, often heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3.5km away
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, this charming cafe and bistro is housed in a beautifully restored 1869 railway shipping office, offering a relaxed atmosphere, seasonal menu with local produce, and stunning lake views. Perfect for a post-hike coffee or lunch.
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Loop
The undisputed highlight of the Fernhill Loop Track is the panoramic viewpoint at the highest point of the loop. Standing among the golden tussocks, you get a 360-degree perspective that rivals the more famous (and much busier) Queenstown Hill. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or a thermos of tea while watching the TSS Earnslaw steam across Lake Wakatipu far below.
Another feature that makes this walk special is the transition of ecosystems. You start in a lush, damp forest environment filled with ferns and mosses, and within an hour, you are in a high-alpine-style environment. For photographers, the "light play" on the Remarkables during the late afternoon is spectacular, turning the mountains shades of deep violet and burnt orange.
If you are a fan of New Zealand’s native flora, keep an eye out for the different varieties of beech trees and the delicate mountain orchids that can sometimes be spotted near the track edges in late spring.
The trailhead is incredibly accessible, whether you have a car or are relying on your own two feet. If you’re driving, the most common starting point is the Wynyard Crescent Car Park, situated near the electricity substation. While it isn’t a massive parking lot, the Fernhill Loop is often overlooked by the mass-tourism buses, so you can usually find a spot. Alternatively, there are smaller parking pockets near the Fernhill Roundabout and Lomond Crescent.
For those staying in town without a vehicle, you can simply walk to the trailhead from the centre of Queenstown in about 20-25 minutes, or hop on the #1 bus heading to Fernhill. It’s one of the few "true" mountain hikes you can access for the price of a bus fare.
The Fernhill Loop Track is a haven for native birdlife. Because it is less crowded than other trails, the birds are often bolder and more vocal. As you move through the beech forest, listen for the melodic, bell-like call of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the iconic, multi-toned song of the Tūī.
You are almost guaranteed to be joined by a Fantail (Pīwakawaka) at some point. these tiny, energetic birds love to follow hikers, flitting around your feet to catch the insects stirred up by your boots. If you look up into the high canopy, you might see the large, heavy-set Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched on a branch or performing their distinctive, noisy swooping flights.
While harder to spot, the Kākā (a large forest parrot) is an occasional visitor to these hills. If you’re hiking near dusk, keep your ears peeled for the haunting "boo-book" call of the Ruru (Morepork), New Zealand’s only surviving native owl. It’s a sound that truly defines the spirit of the Kiwi bush.
The Fernhill Loop Track is best enjoyed in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Weather considerations: Queenstown weather is famously fickle. Be prepared for the "Nor'west" wind, which can buffet the upper sections of the track. If the clouds are hanging low over the lake, visibility at the top may be zero, so it’s worth waiting for a clear window to truly appreciate the vistas.
The land around Fernhill and Ben Lomond holds deep significance. For Māori, the Whakatipu region was part of the ancient trails used to access pounamu (greenstone) from the Dart and Rees rivers. The lake itself is known as Whakatipu-wai-māori. Legend tells of a giant ogre, Matau, whose body formed the lake bed; the rhythmic rise and fall of the lake's tide (a seiche) is said to be the beating of his heart.
In more recent colonial history, these hills were explored by early run-holders and gold prospectors. Today, the area is a focal point for conservation. Local groups work hard to control invasive predators like stoats and possums, which is why the birdlife is so vibrant here compared to other parts of the region. By sticking to the marked trails, you’re helping to protect the delicate root systems of the beech trees and the habitats of the native species that call this hill home.
Once you’ve made the descent and your legs are feeling that "good kind of tired," it’s time to refuel.
If you’re after a sophisticated cool-down, head over to The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro (about 3.5km from the trailhead). Set in a restored 1869 railway shipping office right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, it’s a stunning spot for a post-hike brunch. Their seasonal menu is top-notch, and the view of the water is the perfect accompaniment to a celebratory coffee.
For those who prefer a cold pint and a more casual vibe, Altitude Brewing in Frankton is a local favourite. It’s about a 3.7km drive from the trail, but it is well worth the trip. They have a fantastic rotating selection of craft beers and usually have a food truck parked up. Best of all, it’s incredibly dog-friendly, so if you’ve brought your pup along for the hike, they’ll be just as welcome as you are. It’s the perfect place to sit outside, look back at the hills you just climbed, and toast to a day well spent in the Queenstown backcountry.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
3.7km away
A popular craft brewery and taproom located in Frankton, boasting some of the best views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. They offer a constantly changing selection of craft beers, often host food trucks, and provide a dog-friendly outdoor area. An excellent spot to unwind after your hike.