Frankton Track

About Frankton Track

Frankton Track is a walking and cycling trail linking Queenstown with Frankton along the shore of Lake Wakatipu. It offers an easier, flatter alternative to the area’s steep hill routes and works both as a recreational lakeside outing and as a practical connection toward Frankton and Queenstown Airport. The changing relationship between water, mountains, vegetation, and settlements gives the route its character. Frankton Track is a walking and cycling trail in the Queenstown area, connecting the township with the suburb of Frankton. The route follows the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, offering lake and mountain views. It forms part of the broader trail network around Queenstown and provides a relatively flat, accessible option compared to the region's more demanding alpine tracks. The path serves both recreational users and those seeking practical connections between Queenstown and Frankton, including access to Queenstown Airport. The relatively flat gradient and sealed sections make portions suitable for families, though full distance may challenge younger children. Parental judgement required regarding distance and conditions.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

What's inside

The route follows Lake Wakatipu through grassy stretches, shingle beaches, and patches of lakeside vegetation. Across the water, the Remarkables and surrounding hills form the main landscape. The track passes near Queenstown Golf Club and meets other trails in the wider Queenstown network. Its surface changes between sealed and unsealed sections, creating a varied ride or walk while keeping the lakeshore as the central experience. The track runs alongside Lake Wakatipu, with views across the water to the Remarkables mountain range and surrounding hills. Users pass through varied lakeside terrain including grassy areas, shingle beaches, and native vegetation patches. The route intersects with other trails and passes near the Queenstown Golf Club. Birdlife may be present in lakeside vegetation. The track surface varies, with sealed and unsealed sections. No substantial built facilities or visitor infrastructure are documented along the route itself.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

How long to spend

Central Queenstown and Frankton are about five to seven kilometres apart depending on your chosen endpoints. Walking one way generally takes one to two hours, with additional time for photographs and shoreline pauses. Cycling is quicker and makes the route useful as a one-way journey. You can choose a shorter section rather than completing the full connection, especially when travelling with children or limited time. The distance between central Queenstown and Frankton is approximately five to seven kilometres depending on exact start and end points chosen.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Season and crowds

The track can be enjoyed throughout the year, with conditions changing between warm, bright summer days and cold winter mornings with frost or occasional low snow. Longer summer daylight suits a complete return journey. Winter visits benefit from warm layers and attention to slippery surfaces. Morning and evening can bring attractive light across Lake Wakatipu, while stronger afternoon wind may make the exposed lakeside sections less comfortable.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Tickets

Frankton Track is a public walking and cycling route, allowing visitors to build a self-guided outing around the lakeshore. The main costs for an independent visit come from reaching an access point and arranging any return transport. A commercial tour using the track is a separate service. Because the route connects two parts of Queenstown, it fits easily into a day that combines a one-way walk or cycle with other activities.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Getting there

Join the track from the Queenstown side near the lakefront, or begin in Frankton near the airport and surrounding suburban area. Public buses connect Queenstown and Frankton, making a one-way outing practical when you want to return by road. Walkers staying in central Queenstown can reach the western access on foot. Cyclists can use the trail as a scenic connection rather than retracing the same route.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

What to watch out for

Walkers and cyclists share parts of the track, so keep awareness around bends and meeting points. The lakeside setting can be windy and offers limited shade, making sun protection and an extra layer useful. Winter frost can make surfaces slippery. The route sometimes passes near roads and developed areas, so take care at crossings. Lake Wakatipu is very cold; treat the shoreline as a viewing environment rather than a casual swimming place.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Photography

Frankton Track gives you repeated views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, shoreline textures, and changing mountain weather. The flat route makes it easy to carry a camera and stop without tackling a climb. Morning and evening light can add colour and relief to the mountains, while wind-driven cloud creates a stronger sense of place. At the airport end, remember that drone use is subject to aviation restrictions.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Where it is

• 1 hour

  26 min walk

  Jardine Park

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 2 hours

  21 min walk

  Queenstown Trail

  • Must see
  • Activity
• 30 min

  30 min walk

  St Peter's Church

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Place of worship

External links