Discover Closeburn: Trails, Water and Nature

Around Closeburn, trails along Lake Wakatipu meet forested climbs and water sports at Wilson Bay. When planning your trip, consider whether hiking, cycling, scenery or activities on the water should be the focus. The options are not all in Closeburn itself: some of the additional suggestions are in the wider Queenstown Lakes District.

Hiking, Cycling and Water near Closeburn

On the Seven Mile Point Track, you can walk or cycle along the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The trail climbs through pine forest and regenerating native bush. From Kirks Terrace, you can look out over Wilson Bay. The shore, forest, climb and views offer a variety of scenery, rather than limiting the outing to a single viewpoint.

For cyclists, an uphill bike access track runs from the Seven Mile Point Track to the 7 Mile Scenic Reserve Mountain Bike Park. Wakeboarding and water skiing are possible in the waters of Wilson Bay. This means there are several kinds of active experiences nearby: a route on foot or by bike, and water sports in the bay. Which one suits your plans depends on how you would like to spend your time.

Culture and History in the Queenstown Lakes District

The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement offers a different perspective on the region. This public Category 2 historic site is the last relatively intact Chinese settlement in Otago and recalls the Chinese presence on the Central Otago goldfields. The Lakes District Museum features artefacts, photographs and films about Māori and Chinese settlers in the region, as well as the pioneering gold rush. A visit offers insight into the history of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District.

Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens also offers a different way to experience the region: this significant public space is in central Queenstown and is explored and enjoyed by locals and visitors. Historic sites, a museum and a public garden appeal to different interests, and are distinct kinds of outings.

Hikes with Different Time Requirements

In the Queenstown Lakes District, the trails described vary in both character and time commitment. The Ben Lomond Track is a challenging, full-day hike from Queenstown, with an elevation gain of 1,438 metres. Along the way, panoramic views extend over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. There are four access points: the Tiki Trail beside the Skyline gondola station on Brecon Street, Skyline Access Road on Lomond Crescent, the One Mile Creek Track at the Fernhill roundabout, and the Skyline Gondola. Check current track notices before setting out.

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk offers a different time estimate: from the start on Belfast Street until you return to the car park, it takes 2–3 hours. The route offers views and leads to the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture. Comparing it with the full-day Ben Lomond Track can help you choose how much time to allow; the routes also differ in their respective viewpoints and features.

Lakes, Loop Trails and River Scenery

The Moke Lake Loop Track circles the lake through grassland surrounded by mountains. From Queenstown, you can reach it via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road; road conditions may vary. If you are looking for a loop through grassland and mountain scenery, this offers a different route description from the climbs around Queenstown.

The Hāwea River Track connects Albert Town with Hāwea and forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. It passes through kānuka scrub and open flats before following the river upstream to Domain Road. Access parking is available at Albert Town campground and on Domain Road; check local road conditions before travelling. In the Queenstown Lakes District, Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are also the three main lakes, used for boating, swimming and other water sports.

First decide which experiences matter most to your trip, then look for hotels that suit your plans.

Discover more destinations: Albert Town, Makarora, Lake Hayes, Arthurs Point, Moonlight, Lower Shotover, Dingle Burn and Speargrass Flat.

Go to the wider travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.