The Tiki Trail in Queenstown climbs 2.1 km one way from the Skyline Gondola base up through pine forest to Bob’s Peak, gaining 404 metres in 45 minutes to an hour. It’s steep and uphill the whole way, but the zig zags earn views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, and you can ride the gondola back down after.
Quick facts
Parking at the Skyline Gondola base
Parking right at the Skyline Gondola base is tight and finding a space close by can be a real pain, Sandra ended up parking three streets away on her visit. Skyline has since built a multi-storey public car park on Brecon Street as part of its base redevelopment, which is worth trying first before you start circling the block.
The track starts directly to the left of the gondola entrance, right where the base building work has been going on, so check the current signage if the entrance looks different to what you expect. Just before the start is the Kiwi Birdlife Park, well worth a visit if you want a proper look at native birds before or after the climb. If you want to book ahead for the close up version, the Kiwi Park Queenstown – Real-life up-close Kiwi viewing option gets you right up close.
Watch out for mountain bikers zooming across the track right at the start, the Ben Lomond bike trail crosses the walking track here and riders come down fast, so give way and stay clear of their line.
Tiki Trail map
Zig zagging up through the pines to Bob’s Peak
The walk is steep and rocky right from the start, then it heads out and up again in a zig zag pattern that keeps going most of the way. The pine trees shade almost the whole track, which is a blessing if you’re walking in summer, there’s only one spot where you get a peek of the lake through the trees but it’s not really worth stopping for a photo.
About half way up, big wooden platforms appear in the trees with no one around, then you start hearing people yelling and having fun somewhere above. That’s Ziptrek, and you might see someone fly right over your head before you work out what’s going on.
The entrance for Ziptrek Ecotours sits right on the trail, though you do not have to walk all the way up to try it, it is also a short walk from the top of the gondola. The shorter Moa 4-Line Tour starts right where the entrance sits on the trail, and for the fuller experience there is also the longer Kea 6-Line Tour based at the same spot.
The last stretch before the trees open out is the steepest, nearly there is the thought that keeps you going. Walking up from bottom to top rather than riding up and walking down is easier on your knees and better for your fitness, even if the last switchbacks make you work for it.
The views from the top of the Tiki Trail
A short walk out of the trees and you’re at the Skyline complex, Bob’s Peak, with those views everyone talks about. You’ll need to walk through to the far side to really get them, that’s the back where the cafe sits. Skyline is partway through a multi year rebuild of the whole summit, including a new ten seat gondola system replacing the old four seat cabins, so the buildings and gondola you see at the top now look quite different to earlier photos on this page, with full completion expected in early 2029.
From the Stratosfare Restaurant you get views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, though the cafe next door is the better value option with good ice cream and still plenty of view from the deck out front. If you want to pair the climb with a meal, there is a combined Skyline Gondola and restaurant option worth a look, or if dinner suits better the Skyline Queenstown – Gondola and buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar gets you the ride down and a meal at the same restaurant you pass at the top. Walk up in the morning instead and the Skyline Queenstown – Gondola and buffet lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar makes a good finish before you head back down.
Carry on up the hill a bit further and you can watch people having a go on the luge ride, or just watch the gondolas and mountain bikers on the chairlift come and go from up close.
How steep is the walk up to Bob’s Peak?
This is a medium to hard walk, not a stroll. It’s a steep uphill climb the whole way with rocky patches and switchbacks, and the 404 m of elevation gain in under 2.1 km will get your heart rate up. Walking poles help if your knees aren’t what they used to be. Good fitness makes it comfortable in under an hour, but it’s steep enough that less fit walkers take it slow and find it hard going, there’s no shame in stopping for breathers in the shade.
Best time for the Queenstown gondola walk
The pine trees shade almost the entire track, which makes this a good option even on a hot summer afternoon when other walks around Queenstown are baking in the sun. In winter the track barely sees direct sun in places, so expect it to get icy underfoot and take extra care or save it for a milder day.
If you have another day up your sleeve, Queenstown has another famous summit to compare, the Queenstown CBD to Coronet Peak Summit – Return Trip by Bus and Gondola makes an easy add on day.
Mountain bikers, dogs and other practical stuff
Dogs are not allowed on the Tiki Trail. There are toilets at the start and at the top, but no water on the track itself, so bring a bottle or buy one before you start or at the top. Mobile coverage is good the whole way. The main hazard is the Ben Lomond mountain bike trail, which crosses the walking track, riders come down fast so give way and keep clear of their line. Visitor reports describe construction around both the trailhead and the summit buildings as part of Skyline’s redevelopment, so check the current signage for any detours at either end before you set off.
The Tiki Trail runs through the Ben Lomond Forest and is part of Queenstown’s network of recreation tracks.
My honest take
I walked up to the top of Bob’s Peak where the track meets the Queenstown Skyline Gondola, then rode down. It saved me money, I only paid for a one way ticket down and got a solid workout on the way up, zig zagging up the hill. My knees aren’t as strong as they used to be so walking up and riding down worked out better than the other way round, and I took my walking sticks which made it that much easier.
They say it takes an hour but even stopping for lots of photos, I was just under that. My fitness was good at the time so it wasn’t a problem, but I could see others taking it real slow and finding it hard going. It was the middle of summer and the shade from the tall pine trees covering almost the whole track was genuinely refreshing.
The track itself was in good condition with steep parts here and there and a few rocky bits. The views from the top out over Queenstown and the lake are what it’s all for, properly amazing, and the wide views out to the Remarkables and beyond are something else again, just a pity there was no snow on my visit.
Other walks near Queenstown
If you want more walking while you are in town, these are all an easy drive or walk from central Queenstown:
For the full list of walks in the area, head back to Queenstown Walks.
Common questions
How long does the Tiki Trail take?
Most people take 45 minutes to an hour walking up, depending on fitness and how many photo stops you make.
Can I ride the gondola down after walking up?
Yes, the track ends right at the Skyline Gondola complex on Bob’s Peak, so you can buy a one way ticket down rather than walking back. Gondola prices change regularly, so check Skyline’s own site for current fares before you go.
Is the Tiki Trail the same as the Queenstown Gondola walk?
Yes, the Tiki Trail is sometimes called the Queenstown Gondola walk because it finishes right at the gondola terminal.
Are dogs allowed on the Tiki Trail?
No, dogs are not permitted on this track.
Do I need to watch for mountain bikers?
Yes, the walking track crosses the Ben Lomond mountain bike trail partway up, so give way to riders and stay clear of the bike line.
