Discover Closeburn: trails and water nearby

Closeburn’s surroundings: trails, cycling and water

The Seven Mile Point Track runs along Lake Wakatipu near Closeburn; you can hike or cycle there. The trail climbs through pine forest and regenerating native bush. From Kirks Terrace, the view extends to Wilson Bay. This route combines exercise with changing views of forest and lake.

For cyclists, an uphill cycle link leads from the Seven Mile Point Track to the 7 Mile Scenic Reserve Mountain Bike Park. Wilson Bay offers a different kind of activity: its waters are suitable for wakeboarding and water skiing. Close to Closeburn, there are options for both land-based trails and water sports.

Hikes in the Queenstown Lakes District

Two hikes in the Queenstown Lakes District differ in duration and difficulty. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk starts on Belfast Street, takes 2–3 hours there and back to the car park, and offers spectacular views as well as the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture. The Ben Lomond Track is a challenging full-day hike from Queenstown, with 1,438 metres of elevation gain. From there, panoramic views open up over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. Comparing the times can help with planning: the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is described as taking 2–3 hours, while Ben Lomond is a full-day hike.

The four access points for the Ben Lomond Track include the Tiki Trail beside the Skyline Gondola station on Brecon Street, Skyline Access Road on Lomond Crescent, the One Mile Creek Track at the Fernhill roundabout, and the Skyline Gondola. Check current track updates before setting out.

Landscapes and other trails in the region

In the Queenstown Lakes District, the Moke Lake Loop Track circles the lake through grassland surrounded by mountains. From Queenstown, the track is accessible via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road. Check road conditions before driving. 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 the Albert Town campground and on Domain Road.

The three main lakes in the Queenstown Lakes District are Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. They are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. This regional perspective complements nearby Wilson Bay without suggesting that the individual lakes offer the same activities.

Culture and public places

In the Queenstown Lakes District, the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a public historic site in Category 2. It is the last relatively intact Chinese settlement remaining in Otago and commemorates the Chinese presence on the goldfields of Central Otago. The Lakes District Museum in the Queenstown Lakes District houses artefacts, photographs and films about the region’s Māori and Chinese settlers, as well as the pioneering gold rush. A visit offers insight into the history of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District.

Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens is a significant public space in central Queenstown that locals and visitors can explore and enjoy. Alongside the historical themes of the Queenstown Lakes District, the garden offers a different side of the region: a public space in the town centre rather than a hiking route or historic settlement.

Discover more destinations: Mount Nicholas, Lower Shotover, Hawea Flat, Cardrona, Makarora, Queenstown, Lake Hayes, Moonlight

For the broader travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.