Great Runs in Queenstown, New Zealand
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in Queenstown, see the GR Website
Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown has a spectacular setting, sitting on the shores of Wakatipu Lake and set against the beautiful Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges. As such, Queenstown is considered an ‘adventure capital’, and is one of the country’s most visited cities for both sports and relaxation. Running in Queenstown offers excellent variety, from wonderful lakefront paths to green parks, vast valleys, hilly terrain, and pine forests. The area is also a mecca for trail running.
Lake View Run (Frankton to Queenstown): Fantastic waterfront path with view of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. It is 10 km one-way between Frankton and Queenstown. Can easily do one-way and take bus back.
Queenstown to Sunshine Bay Trail: A wonderful trail, known as a ‘foot track’, that runs south from Queenstown to Sunshine Bay, along Lake Wakatipu. Great views the whole way along this gravel, rolling hills path. It’s 10 km out and back. A gentle to moderate trail run.
Queenstown to Fernhill Route: Fernhilll is Queenstown’s most prestigious residential suburbs, situated on the lower slopes of the famous Ben Lomond mountain. This versatile route offers a combination of a road, lakeside, and residential running.
Queenstown Hill Challenge: Popular walking/hiking route from Queenstown to the top of Te Tapunui can also be done as a trail run challenge. Gravel path climbs for 468m over 3.6 km, with grades of up to 20%. The reward is breathtaking views from the summit.
Queenstown Beach and Gardens (Parkrun): Popular and centrally located Parkrun in Queenstown. Two loops of the Queenstown Gardens, starting at Queenstown Beachfront. For the group run, meet Saturday mornings! For longer run, see Queenstown Trail.
Kelvin Peninsula—Frankton Arm Walk: A great run along the Frankton Arm Trail, a paved/gravel path along the shore of the Frankton Arm of Lake WakatipuIt. Stunning views of Queenstown and the Remarkables Mountains. Full peninsula loop is 13.3 km, can be shortened.
Jack’s Point Track (Jardine Park to Jack’s Point): Popular with hikers and mountain bikers, Jack’s Point Track is a moderate to challenging trail run, featuring superb lake and mountain views over undulating open grassland and scattered scrub. 10 km one-way, 234m gain.
Lake Hayes Loop: A very pretty, nearly 10k loop around the perimeter of one of New Zealand’s most photographed lakes. Wonderful water and mountain views along the trail called the ‘Lake Hayes Circuit’. Located between Queenstown and Arrowtown.
Original Post by: Lana Bukvic. For the full running guide to Queenstown, see greatruns.com.
