Frankton Track

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features While the entire walk is a visual feast, there are a few standout moments you shouldn’t miss:

• The Remarkables Viewpoint: As you curve around the Frankton Arm, the full glory of The Remarkables mountain range reveals itself. This is one of the few mountain ranges in the world that runs true North-to-South, and seeing those jagged peaks reflected in the lake on a calm morning is a photographer's dream.
• The TSS Earnslaw: Keep your ears open for a deep steam whistle. The iconic "Lady of the Lake," a 1912 coal-fired steamship, often passes by on its way to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Seeing the black smoke trailing against the blue sky is like watching a piece of living history.
• Frankton Marina: This is the halfway "hub" of the walk. It’s a vibrant spot full of boats, activity, and—most importantly—great coffee. It’s the perfect place to sit on the rocks and rest your legs.
• Kawarau Falls Bridge: Reaching the end of the track brings you to this impressive pedestrian-only bridge. Standing here, you can watch the lake water transform into the powerful Kawarau River. The turquoise colour of the water as it funnels through the falls is mesmerising.

Getting There Because the Frankton Track is a point-to-point trail, you have a few options for how to tackle it.

If you’re starting from the Queenstown end, you can find paid parking in the CBD, though it can be a bit of a scramble. A better bet is often the short-to-medium stay parking at Park Street or St Omer Park, which puts you right near the start of the gardens.

If you’d prefer to start from the Frankton end, there is paid public parking available at the Frankton Marina. For those who want to skip the fees, there is usually free parking available at Frankton Beach—though this fills up fast on sunny weekends! Since it’s a point-to-point walk, many locals choose to walk one way and take the $2 Bee Card bus back to their starting point.

Wildlife Spotting You don’t need to be deep in the bush to see some of New Zealand’s beautiful birdlife. The Frankton Arm is a haven for water birds.

Keep an eye out for the Great Crested Grebe (Kāmana). These elegant birds with their distinctive head plumes are often seen diving for fish near the marina. You’ll also likely spot the New Zealand Scaup (Pāpango), a small, dark diving duck that looks like a little black cork bobbing on the waves.

The Black-billed Gull—the most endangered gull in the world—is an occasional visitor here, so keep your binoculars handy. Of course, the ever-present Mallards and Pied Shags are common fixtures along the shoreline year-round. The best time for bird watching is early morning when the lake is "glassy" and the human traffic is lower.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The Frankton Track is truly a track for all seasons, but each offers a different experience:

• Summer: The lake is at its most inviting. Bring your togs (swimwear) for a dip at Frankton Beach. However, the Otago sun is fierce, so high-factor sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable.
• Autumn: This is arguably the most beautiful time. The willow trees and poplars lining the track turn a brilliant liquid gold, contrasting sharply with the deep blue of the lake.
• Winter: The air is biting, but the sky is often a clear, crisp blue. The snow on The Remarkables comes down much lower, making for incredible photos. Just watch for frosty patches on the gravel sections in the early morning.
• Spring: Watch the gardens come to life with blooms at the Queenstown end, and enjoy the sight of new lambs on the distant hillsides across the water.

What to pack: Even though it’s an easy walk, the Queenstown weather can change in a heartbeat. Always carry a light windbreaker or rain jacket. There are water fountains at the Marina and Frankton Beach, but it’s always wise to carry a reusable bottle.

Local & Regional Context The area you are walking through is rich in history. Long before the tourists arrived, this region was a vital place for Māori, who travelled through the Whakatipu Basin in search of pounamu (greenstone) and seasonal food sources. The lake itself, Whakatipu-wai-māori, is central to many legends, including the story of the giant Matau, whose heartbeat is said to cause the lake’s natural "tide" or seiche.

In more recent colonial history, the Frankton Marina served as a vital transport hub. Before the roads were carved into the cliffs, steamships were the only way to get supplies and people to the remote stations around the lake. The restored buildings you see today are a nod to that rugged maritime past.

After the Walk You’ve done the kilometres, now it’s time for the rewards! The Frankton end of the track is blessed with some fantastic spots to refuel:

• The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro: Located right at the Frankton Marina in a restored 1869 shipping office. It’s the quintessential Queenstown brunch spot. Their coffee is top-notch, and sitting on the deck watching the boats come in is the perfect end to a walk.
• Altitude Brewing: If you’ve finished your walk in the afternoon, head here. It’s a local craft brewery with a massive sunny deck and a rotating selection of award-winning beers. It’s very dog-friendly and has a great, laid-back vibe.
• Eatery by Frank's: A little further into Frankton, this is the place to go if you want something wholesome and ethical. Their focus on free-range, local produce makes for a very satisfying post-hike meal.
• GIANTS Bar & Restaurant: Located at the Holiday Inn near Remarkables Park, this is a great family-friendly option with a menu that celebrates the best of Otago’s seasonal produce.

The Frankton Track proves that you don’t have to climb a mountain to find magic in Queenstown. It’s a trail that invites you to slow down, breathe the alpine air, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a lakeside stroll.

1.3km away

A charming cafe set in a beautifully restored 1869 New Zealand Railways Shipping Office at Frankton Marina, offering delicious meals, coffee, and spectacular lake views.