Your Ultimate Guide to Queenstown’s Tiki Trail

With its snow-capped mountains and scenic lakes, the Otago region is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in New Zealand. But you don’t have to travel far from Queenstown to experience breathtaking views for yourself – the Tiki Trail, just 10 minutes from downtown, is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

This short but rewarding hike winds 2.1 km through native forest, climbing over 480 metres to Bob’s Peak. At the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views and free access to the Skyline Queenstown top complex, where you can enjoy the Luge, Stratosfare Restaurant, Market Kitchen Café, and more.

It’s the perfect option for anyone looking for stunning views within easy reach of town. Have a free morning? Here’s what to expect on the Queenstown Tiki Trail.

Queenstown Tiki Trail basics

• Distance: 2.1 km
• Elevation gain: 480 m
• Duration: 1 hour (one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Suitable for: those with a moderate level of fitness (some steep sections)
• Best time of year to go: Good year-round
• Address: Cemetery Road, off Brecon Street

Packing essentials for your walk

Before you take on the Tiki Trail, it’s important to plan ahead and bring:

• A bottle of water to stay hydrated
• Sunscreen to protect against the sun (a lot of the hike is under tree cover but the NZ sun is quick to burn)
• Comfortable sneakers (or hiking shoes if it’s winter or wet)
• A hiking pole (optional, but helpful on steeper sections!)
• Money (if you want to buy food, enjoy a Luge ride, or celebrate with a drink at the Skyline bar)

How to get to the Tiki Trail, Queenstown

The Tiki Trail starts on the left of the Skyline Gondola building. The great thing about the location is that it’s only a short distance from most hotels in the city centre. So, you can walk to the start from Marine Parade in just 10 minutes! If you prefer to drive, the Skyline Queenstown Multi-Storey Car Park offers hundreds of spaces to park at affordable day rates.

Trekking up the Tiki Trail

Image credit: Google reviews

It’s time to start the adventure! As you make your way onto the track, be careful crossing the section that passes through the Ben Lomond Hammy’s Return mountain biking trail. Be sure to let any mountain bikers pass through first and stay clear of the trail to keep everyone safe.

The Tiki Trail covers a 480 m elevation gain as it winds through the pine trees and along the rocks. While the varied terrain makes it fun to hike, the steepness and bouldery path are things to watch out for. Depending on your fitness level, you might want to bring a hiking pole (or pick up a big branch to use along the way!), especially after wet weather.

Luckily, the Tiki Trail is pretty much all forest, making it perfect for sunnier summer days when you want to enjoy the outdoors while keeping cool in the shade.

Image credit: Google review

You’ll find plenty of rest stops on the climb, including these carved pine trunk seats that make for an awesome photo op!

Throughout the walk, you’ll also hear zipliners swooping past you from above. If you fancy a ride for yourself, the entrance to Ziptrek Ecotours is located near the top of the trail.

Image credit: Google review

As you near the end of the hike, you’ll come into a clearing that opens up stunning views of Queenstown basin.

Just a few more minutes of walking will bring you onto the smooth paths of the Skyline Queenstown top complex. Take a moment to soak in breathtaking views of Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables from the viewing deck, then get ready to enjoy all the attractions Skyline has to offer!

Top spots to see at Skyline Queenstown

Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at Market Kitchen Café

Open from 9:30 am daily, the Market Kitchen Café is the perfect spot to refuel after your morning hike up the Tiki Trail. There’s no shortage of delicious options, from gourmet pies and freshly baked pastries to sandwiches, burgers, and classic fish and chips. You’ll also find a state-of-the-art pizza oven firing up gourmet pizzas, along with a specialist tandoor oven serving up mouth-watering curries.

Of course, no visit is complete without a well-earned coffee after the climb. And if you’re ready to celebrate your effort, head to the Stratosfare Restaurant Bar, where you can unwind with a glass of local wine or a craft beer, all while soaking in the unbeatable alpine views.

Whizz down the Skyline Luge

With 1.6 km of twists, turns, and tunnels, the Luge is the star attraction of Skyline Queenstown! Hop in the part-toboggan, part-go kart vehicle and cruise your way downhill at your own pace – as fast or as relaxed as you like. Kids over 2 years old (85 cm tall) can ride along with an adult, while those over 6 (110 cm tall) can take the controls themselves for a thrilling yet safe experience. Once you’ve reached the end, take the chairlift back up…because one Luge ride is never enough!

Continue your trek with Skyline Guided Walks

Can’t get enough of the incredible Queenstown views? Join a Skyline Guided Walks and explore the Ben Lomond Track with experienced guides who’ll share local stories and point out native plants and wildlife along the way. You can choose to hike to the Ben Lomond Saddle (around 3–4 hours return) or continue all the way to the Ben Lomond Summit, a more challenging adventure taking 5–7 hours. Unlike the forested Tiki Trail, these walks take you across open mountain plains with panoramic views in every direction. Both options must be booked in advance.

Travelling back down to town

After a long day at Skyline Queenstown, you have two options for getting back to town. First, you can hike back down the Tiki Trail — it’s quicker going down, but keep in mind it’s a steep 480m descent, which can be tough on the knees. A hiking pole definitely helps!

The other option? Take the Skyline Gondola for a relaxing ride with stunning 220-degree views over Queenstown. One-way tickets are available from the souvenir shop inside the Skyline Queenstown top complex — perfect for giving your legs a well-earned break.

Tiki Trail map

All your burning questions about the Tiki Trail

How long does it take to walk the Tiki Trail in Queenstown?

The Tiki Trail takes about 1 hour to walk up. Leaving some time to rest and enjoy Skyline Queenstown, you can expect a return trip to take around 3 – 4 hours depending on your activities at the top.

Is the Tiki Trail hard?

The Tiki Trail is considered a short walk that most people can complete, but it might not be an easy hike for some due to the rocky terrain and steep inclines (remember there is 480m of elevation!).

Is the Tiki Trail suitable for kids?

The Tiki Trail is family-friendly, but the steep climb and uneven terrain may be challenging for younger children. It’s best suited to active kids and teens with good fitness.

Can you walk to the top of Bob’s Peak?

Bob’s Peak is the hill where the Skyline Queenstown building is located. You can walk up to it via the Tiki Trail or take the Gondola.

Can you take the Gondola one way?

Yes! Many hikers choose to walk up the Tiki Trail and take the Gondola back down — perfect if you want to skip the steep descent and enjoy the scenic ride.

Discover more adventures at Skyline Queenstown

The Tiki Trail offers the perfect blend of natural beauty combined with exhilarating activities, all just a stone’s throw from Queenstown’s bustling town centre. Whether you’re after a short morning hike, a thrilling Luge ride, or a delicious meal with panoramic views, Bob’s Peak and Skyline Queenstown have it all.

Ready to explore beyond the trail? Explore our other guides to discover thrilling Queenstown adventure activities, top rated wineries and a host of other hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

Plan your next unforgettable day out with our blog and experience the magic of Queenstown’s great outdoors, all within easy reach.