Discover Speargrass Flat

In the wider Queenstown Lakes District destination, you’ll find lake experiences, local history and tours with very different time requirements. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Speargrass Flat, consider whether you’d like your stay to focus more on the water, culture or longer hikes. The options listed range from a half-hour show to challenging hikes that require a full day.

Queenstown on Lake Whakatipu

Queenstown lies on the shores of Lake Whakatipu at the foot of the Southern Alps. A cruise on the TSS Earnslaw lasts 90 minutes and travels across the lake through alpine scenery, offering a glimpse of living history. The departure point is Steamer Wharf Dock. The RealNZ Visitor Centre is also at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street; ticket holders meet at the ship. Check the latest operating details before your cruise.

For a different perspective, Skyline Queenstown’s 10-seat gondola takes guests to Bob’s Peak, which is 480 metres above Queenstown. The Conservation Show at Kiwi Park Queenstown also has a clearly defined duration: it’s a 30-minute free-flight show featuring endangered wildlife. As showtimes may change for operational reasons, check the current schedule before your visit.

Trails for different schedules

The Queenstown Hill Walking Track is a moderate hike, with the return trip taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail leads to the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture, and offers panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountains along the way. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The challenging Ben Lomond Track requires considerably more time. The return trip takes 6 to 8 hours and starts at the Skyline Gondola. The route is listed as having 1,438 metres of elevation gain and is considered a full-day hike from Queenstown. Alpine conditions can vary by season, so checking the latest information is an important part of your preparation.

For a lakeside walk, the Frankton Arm Walkway runs from Queenstown Gardens to Frankton, following the shore of Lake Whakatipu. The Queenstown Trail offers a different scale: this 130-kilometre cycle trail connects Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston. Temporary changes, closures or diversions may affect the trails; check the latest information before your trip.

History and public spaces

The former Lake County Council Chambers are at the corner of Ballarat Street and Stanley Street. The building overlooks Queenstown’s Village Green and is part of the designated Ballarat Street Heritage Precinct. It is privately owned, and the interior is not open to the public. The Lakes District Museum offers another historical perspective in the wider Queenstown Lakes District: its collection includes artefacts, photographs and films about the region’s Māori and Chinese settlers, as well as the pioneering gold rush. A visit to the museum offers insight into the history of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes district.

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is also located in Queenstown Lakes District. It is a public historic site classified as Category 2 and is considered the last relatively intact Chinese settlement in Otago. It commemorates the Chinese presence on the Central Otago goldfields. In Queenstown itself, Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens is a significant public space in the city centre that locals and visitors can explore and enjoy.

Landscapes in Queenstown Lakes District

Queenstown Lakes District encompasses three main lakes: Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. They are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. At Moke Lake, a circuit track winds around the lake through grassland surrounded by mountains. From Queenstown, access is via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road; road conditions may vary.

The Hāwea River Track connects Albert Town with Hāwea and is part of the Te Araroa Trail. It passes through kānuka scrub and open plains before following the river upstream to Domain Road. Access parking is available at Albert Town campground and on Domain Road. In Matukituki Valley, Mount Aspiring National Park offers day hikes across farmland and through beech forest, as well as challenging trekking and climbing routes. This means the wider destination offers everything from short outings to trips where time requirements and alpine conditions are more significant factors.

Discover more destinations: Closeburn, Arrowtown, Kingston, Cardrona, Gibbston, Dingle Burn, Lake Hayes, Albert Town.

For the wider travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.