Despite what you may be thinking, I like a short walk as much as a long one. While short walks can sometimes leave me feeling a little dissatisfied, if they are peaceful, get the heart pumping, and have splendid views at the end, what is not to love?
Grab your sneakers and join me for a short, and steep stroll up Queenstown’s Tiki Trail.
As mentioned in last week’s post, I am just back from tramping a couple of New Zealand’s fabulous trails. While I waited impatiently to head off on the Milford Track, I didn’t want to waste any time in Queenstown and set out to do a little exploring.
Queenstown can be found on New Zealand’s South Island – located on the scenic shores of Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by the stunning Remarkables mountain range. All of this adds up to a very busy tourist town, some very pretty landscape and very enjoyable hiking trails.
The nuts and bolts of the Tiki Trail:
- Distance (official): 2.1km Actual: 2.5km
- Time (official): 1hr Actual: 1hr5mins
- Rating: Moderate
- When to Go: All year ‘round.
- Path/Terrain: Uneven dirt and/or rocky paths and up, up, up all the way.
- Signage: Well waymarked with detailed signage and arrows.
General Comments:
- This walk is a nice way to start the day. I set out early and had the path almost completely to myself. It was lovely and cool walking through the forest, and the early morning smells of moist earth and pine needles, mosses and decomposing trees were fragrant.
- The views were almost entirely of the forest, as the path wound its way up past broad, towering trees. Every now and then you could get a little glimpse of the lake through the trees, but these glimpses were rare and mostly obstructed by even more trees.
- Unfortunately, there was no real wildlife or birdlife to speak of. This whole area is covered in Douglas Firs and wilding pines, and as it is not their native habitat, the birds tend to stay away.
- The only real sounds, even that early in the morning were the dulcet tones of chainsaws and heavy earthmoving equipment. Yes, less than melodic.
- Apparently, there is a concerted campaign to remove the conifers mentioned above and replant native beech forests to restore the habitat of the local species. It will be a very long and slow process as they must manage the risk of landslide and bushfire at the same time as tree removal.
- The conifer needles also change the pH of the soil, making it too acidic, and few native plants can grow in these conditions. Some pink and white penstemons did add a splash of colour, but definitely not considered native flora.
- This path may not be for everyone as it is steep and uneven. In many places the path had been completely washed away by either heavy rains or landslides and there were many fallen trees to clamber over, and large boulders to navigate. It all added to the forest experience.
- In fact, the very start of the trail had been completely washed out and was yet to be repaired. The powers-that-be have established a temporary access through the old cemetery. Yes, a little quirky and yet it was very interesting to read the old headstones as I strolled by.
Highlights & Tips:
- Consider breaking out the hiking poles for this trail. You may not need them on the way up, but they will certainly save your knees on the way down and add some stability/balance if the weather turns wet.
- Or consider catching the Gondola back down if you can’t face the thought of a return hike. It is $NZ34 one way and would deliver stunning views as well as a chance to sit down, and rest weary legs.
- There’s lots to see and do when you get up to the top of Bob’s Peak, including a café, restaurant and souvenir shop. You can also have go at riding a luge, ziplining or paragliding.
- The Tiki trail connects to the much longer and more demanding, Ben Lomond trail. Apparently, you are rewarded with even more breath-taking views on this longer trail and, if this appeals, just make sure you are prepared and pack snacks, take plenty of water, sun protection and warm clothing.
- Be aware that it feels like the top of Bob’s Peak is one big construction site. They are doing a large extension to the café/gondola building and there is scaffolding, hoardings, and security fencing as far as the eye can see. You can still enjoy sweeping views of Queenstown, the Lake and surrounding mountains, you will just have to find a higher perch or sharper angle to take a photo unobstructed.
- Also be aware that in some places the Tiki Trail crosses, or goes very close to, the downhill mountain bike trail. They move at very high speed. Step carefully.
- To get to the start of the trail, cut through Queenstown by taking the steps at Duke Street and this will connect you straight to the start of Brecon Street. Walk up Brecon Street (there is a to-die-for ice cream shop on the way) and almost directly opposite the Gondola Base Station, you will see the diversion signs through the cemetery. It’s very easy to see and find.
This trail was the perfect introduction to Queenstown, blowing out the cobwebs and avoiding the worst of the crowds that throng Queenstown’s streets.
And now on to slightly longer trails for me.
Do you have a favourite short trail?
#travelinspo #Queenstown #adventurebeforedementia #shortwalks #NewZealand #LandoftheLongWhiteCloud #TikiTrail #epicadventures #viewsfromthetop #greatoutdoors #crosscountry #exploreonfoot #daywalks #heartstarters #foresttrails #BenLomondTrail #gondola rides #paragliding #lugerides #ziplining
Life...one big adventure 
Great views, but looking at the trail I’m inclined to take the gondola. BTW I think the flowers are foxgloves. 🤔
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They are foxgloves 😊
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and right there you can see that I am a better hiker than gardener! 🙂
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Thank goodness, you’re not perfect 😉
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OMG! So far from it, it’s not funny! 🙂
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I haven’t met anyone yet who is 🙂 Life would be boring if we were.
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Truth!
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I will bow to your superior plant and garden knowledge! 🙂
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And I to your superior hiking abilities 🏃
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🙂
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What a lovely short hike and the views definitely make it worth it 🙂
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Definitely!
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That’s good they are slowly replacing the fir trees for native ones, but if I remember those forests, it will be a very long task. Looks like this trail is not a bad morning work out, but by the construction, it’s also not the most peaceful. Looking forward to what else you did in NZ. Maggie
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Apparently they are also doing some aerial spraying to take out more of the trees in really concentrated areas. A big task, that’s for sure!
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Was this one in spam? I commented from the Reader link on the email. (I’m keeping track😊)
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Yep! Every.Single.Comment of yours goes straight to spam!! 🙂
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A warm up for the longer hikes 😊
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The perfect introduction to your country. x
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12 mile delta (a D.O.C. site) not far from Queenstown and on the way to Glenorchy is the better place to park up in a van. I’m not a fan of Queenstown as it’s far too touristy as you noted.
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Agreed, I think Queenstown is NZ’s equivalent of the Gold Coast without the beaches! 🙂
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Yep, and I don’t like the Gold Coast either though the Hinterland area is beautiful.
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Thank goodness we all like different things about a destination otherwise we would all be in the same place ALL the time! 🙂
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Heaven forbid 😉
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I thought it was a little too tame for you when we started out, but you soon remedied that! Onwards and upwards, Mel xx
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Always, Jo. xx
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It’s too bad there was so much construction, because the views are lovely. I’m glad to hear they’re taking steps to restore the native habitat, though. I can see the appeal to taking the gondola in one direction, and just sitting back to enjoy the scenery.
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I think you take so many photos..more than me !! And you are enjoying summer in NZ…still a bit cool here in Vancouver.
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Back in Aus now and although it is officially Autumn now, it’s still very warm.
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True if it is spring here it is fall in Australia. I look forward to warmer days. Today it is raining and it will be raining tomorrow also when we head out for our walk with our Camino group. We are in training, always in training. Have a good WE.
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Walking in the rain is good training for walking in Galicia! 🙂 Buen camino to you
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Today 16 km. in the rain…Feeling good ! 🙂
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Go you!
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If you are on FB, let me know I share a few photos of our walks with the CCoP ( Canadain Compagny of Pilgrim) and/or any other walks. Walking and writing- my two passions!!! Have a great week, Mel
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This seems like a very rewarding endeavor. Daily exercise? Check. Short and sweet? Check. Beautiful views? Check. Ice cream? Check. Oh, and I love the name: The Remarkables mountain range.
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You would love NZ – a compact country, but tonnes to see and do.
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Some day…
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Nice view from the top!
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Yep, pretty special…
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