At the southern end of Lake Whakatipu, Kingston lies between the Eyre Mountains and the Tararua Range. Here, you can combine a lakeside walk with a longer hike, a bike ride or a trip on the historic steam train. When planning, the main things to consider are the differences between the tracks and the seasonal conditions of individual activities.
Walks with different characteristics
The Shirt Tail Track starts at the Te Kere Haka Reserve car park in the Kingston area. It follows Shirt Tail Stream to the bush line and passes through red beech forest and subalpine scrub. Along the way, there are views of Lake Whakatipu and Kingston. The track is well marked as far as the waterfall; beyond it, the track is very steep, unmarked and not maintained. Check conditions before setting out.
The easy Te Kere Haka Track follows the lakeshore and is suitable for a walk of about an hour, with views of the lake and the Hector Mountains. The first 30 minutes are within the boundary of Te Kere Haka Reserve. The track includes stream crossings; after rain, some sections may be wet and muddy. The two walks therefore differ both in scenery and in the route conditions described.
You can reach Kingston from central Queenstown via State Highway 6 in about 45 minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions. If you want to combine several activities, consider not only the drive but also the approximate duration of the walk and the conditions on each route.
Cycle route and time on the water
The Around the Mountain Cycle Way runs for 186 km from Kingston to Walter Peak. The first 30 km section from Kingston towards Athol is considered an easy ride. This is a significantly shorter way to explore the route than cycling the entire distance. Surface and maintenance conditions may change; check them before your ride.
At Kingston Beach, picnic tables beside the lakeshore sit next to a sandy beach. You can swim in Lake Whakatipu from the shore; check local water conditions. In summer, Kingston also offers access to watersports on the lake. Check current information for specific boat-launching spots and local conditions. Fishing in Lake Whakatipu is another leisure activity in Kingston. The boat ramp offers an option for anglers with a fishing licence; observe licensing requirements and local regulations.
Kingston Flyer and other activities
The historic Kingston Flyer offers a scenic steam-train ride from Kingston to Fairlight. Public train rides depart from Kingston and return from Fairlight Railway Station. The privately owned, gently graded rail corridor is 14 km long, or 28 km for a round trip. Seasonal timetables may change, so check train times when planning your trip.
Those interested in country life can visit A Real Farm Show Experience on the Kingston–Garston Highway for a demonstration of sheep herding with dogs. Also on the Kingston–Garston Highway is the private Real Country Group Experience. Group activities include clay target shooting, archery, air-rifle target shooting and whip cracking. Check group requirements and booking conditions in advance.
Kingston Golf Club is a nine-hole course surrounded by mountains and forest. Small streams and clusters of pine trees serve as natural hazards. If golf is part of your plans, check the club’s current operating conditions before travelling.
Plan your stay
Consider the approximate duration of the Te Kere Haka Track, the length of your preferred cycling route, and seasonal train timetables and group conditions. This will help you tailor your accommodation search to the activities that matter most for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, Closeburn, Makarora, Speargrass Flat, Queenstown, Wanaka, Moonlight.
For the wider travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.
