Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward

Viewpoints and scenic spots in Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward

This collection spans the dramatic landscapes of the Wakatipu Basin, from the 1,748-meter summit of Ben Lomond to the manicured paths of Queenstown Gardens. Several lookouts, such as the Devil’s Staircase and Jacks Point, offer perspectives of Lake Wakatipu’s glacial trench. Higher elevation spots along the Remarkables access road and the Crown Range provide views over the Kawarau River and the Arrow Basin, while the Pillars of the Kings marks a specific filming location used for the Argonath in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Viewpoints and Scenic Spots — Map

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

A

Queenstown Skyline Gondola

Riding the iconic Gondola up Bob's Peak provides the visitors with beautiful sceneries of the vast countryside.

Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens, located next to the town of Queenstown, New Zealand, is a botanical garden which contains a variety of exotic and…

Pseudopanax / Public domain

C

Devil's Staircase Lookout

Located on State Highway 6, this elevated point overlooks a winding section of the road and the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu toward Kingston.

Michelle Maria / CC BY 3.0

D

Stratosfare Restaurant

Dinner with a spectacular view. Ride the Queenstown Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak and enjoy a tasty dish with a majestic view of the town…

Grapeman4 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is a mountain close to Queenstown, New Zealand. It was named after Ben Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd Duncan McAusland.

F

Wakatipu lookout

A roadside stop on the Kingston Road providing views across the lake toward the Eyre Mountains.

G

Shirt Tail Viewpoint

A high-altitude vantage point located on the access road to the Remarkables ski area, overlooking the Wakatipu basin.

H

Jacks Point

An area at the base of the Remarkables featuring views across Lake Wakatipu toward Cecil Peak and Walter Peak.

I

Pillars of the Kings

Located on the Kawarau River, this site served as the filming location for the Argonath in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

J

Thompson's Hill

An elevated area near Arrowtown providing views of the Arrow Basin and the surrounding mountain ranges.

K

Lookout Viewpoint

A roadside pull-off on the Remarkables Access Road offering views of the Kawarau River and the Queenstown airport runway.

L

Windy Point

A viewpoint on the Remarkables Access Road overlooking the Frankton Arm and Lake Hayes.

M

Halfway Remarkables

A designated stopping point midway up the Remarkables Access Road with panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin.

Julie Brooks / CC-BY-SA

N

The Zig Zag

A series of switchbacks on the Crown Range Road featuring a lookout over the Arrowview and Wakatipu basins.

O

German Hill

A peak located north of Arrowtown, accessible via hiking trails through the historic gold mining regions.

P

View of Lake Marian

A viewpoint overlooking a hanging glacial lake in the Darran Mountains, accessible via a track from the Hollyford Road.

Q

Sugar Loaf

A distinctive hill located near the Frankton Arm, offering views of the Shotover River and the surrounding valley.