Our guide to this thrilling and challenging ride to Jack's Point Golf Course

This bike ride covers two sections of the 130km Queenstown Trail - the Frankton Track/Kelvin Peninsula and the Jack’s Point sections. 

One way, the total ride should take around 3 hours.  For an easier ride, there is the choice to return after the Kelvin Peninsula section of the trail and head back to Queenstown.

Stage 1 - Frankton Track & Kelvin Peninsula

This ride begins at Earnslaw Park in the centre of Queenstown or, you can join it from the entrance to Queenstown Gardens and just follow the signs along the lakefront. 

The trail follows Lake Wakatipu to Frankton with views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the iconic Remarkables mountain range.  The tree lined trail is mostly flat and a popular walking route, so you’ll need to be careful with your speed. 

Along this section you’ll pass by the Frankton Marina which includes the Boatshed Café, a scenic spot to stop for a coffee or bite to eat.  Soon after, you'll reach the beach area at Frankton where there are toilets.  It's a good place to take a break and take in the views. 

Further along, it’s then onto the Kawarau Falls Bridge, a beautiful spot where the river is notably deep green and the point where Lake Wakatipu flows into it.  You may be lucky and see the jetboats hurtle down the river under the bridge as you pass over.

As you cross the bridge, the trail enters the Kelvin Heights suburb and past the Hilton Hotel which is a lovely spot to stop.  For convenience, the hotel has a bike rack outside and features a lovely outdoor seating section to stop for a drink. 

The trail gets a little bit tricker on the way to the Kelvin Heights Peninsula.  The path is more undulating, narrower with rockier terrain.  The final part of this first section leads you around the peninsula.  It’s a gorgeous section filled with beautiful views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.  Along this section there are various sculptures to appreciate. 

The peninsula wraps around the Queenstown Golf course and as you approach the end you’ll need to watch out for golfers approaching with their tee shots! This section ends at the peninsula. You can either return the same way or, continue onto Jack’s Point.  

Section Summary:

• Length: 16.4km
• Level: Fairly flat and easy for most of it.
• Pit-stop activities: Coffee at the Boatshed, Frankton Marina. Drink at the Hilton Hotel, Sculpture stops around the peninsula. 

Stage 2 - Jack’s Point

From the peninsula the trail continues a gentle uphill to and through Jardine Park, a landscaped area with sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and back towards Queenstown.  

From here on, this section is the trickier part of the ride with some steep inclines and descents and some tight bends.  This ride is all about getting off the beaten track and you will find yourself working harder to get up the steep inclines. 

The final part of the ride leads through and around the Jack’s Point Golf Course.  The views are a sight to behold with the towering Remarkables looming over the stunning golf course with panoramic views of the lake completing the picture.  These are some of the best views you’ll see not just in Queenstown but all of New Zealand.  This ride ends at the Jack's Point resort village.

To return, you can either cycle back the way you came or depart the resort via the main road back to Frankton before joining back on to the Frankton to Queenstown trail that you started on (it us an hour to return this way)

Section Summary:

• Length: 7.1km
• Level: Advanced. Some steep terrain. A high level of technical skill is needed for parts of the trail.
• Pit-stop activities: Coffee, lunch or dinner at Jack's Point Clubhouse. 

Photo Gallery:

More photos that we've taken of the trail can be viewed in our photo gallery below.

Bike Hire:

Going Blue has a range from Premium Electric Bike Hire to Classic Hardtail Cruiser Mountain Bikes. They will collect and drop-you off to your accommodation in Queenstown.  They run Shuttles to Gibbston Valley wineries and Arrowtown daily.  View More Info & Book.

Around The Basin are the local experts for scenic off-road biking in the Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston area.  They offer mountain and electric bike hire, to half day or full day bike tours and winery biking adventures.  View More Info & Book.

Queenstown Experiences:

For the best deals, check our 'Experiences Guide' for a wide choice of activities and attractions to book and visit.