Queenstown Hill walk

It was a beautiful day so we decided to do the Queenstown Hill walk for its promised views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding area.

The track was graded “medium” (we usually choose “easy”) because although very well formed it was continuously quite steep – it was up a hill after all.  It took us a few hours but was well worth the effort, and we were very pleased with ourselves.

 

We began by walking up a series of steep, ladder-like steps (this is just a small section of it) up the face of a hill.  The path was very pretty, as we were in a shaded area surrounded by gently falling golden leaves.  Pretty but exhausting.

 

Near the top of the track was some proper Christmas holly, complete with berries.

Imagine our surprise when we reached the top of this marathon ascent to find ourselves on a main road, at the beginning of the walk.  We had merely taken a track to the beginning of the walk, not the beginning of the walk itself.

 

Already, we had a good view of Queenstown and the lake.

 

A gondola, or chairlift, goes from Queenstown up to this restaurant.  When we reached the top of Queenstown Hill, we were able to look down on the restaurant.

 

Aha, the walk has officially started.

 

Walk gateway.

 

Pat strides purposefully onwards and upwards…..

 

…..and rests.

 

Yes, we’re on the right track.

 

In many parts of NZ, especially on walking tracks, we have come across these little piles of stones.  To me it seems like a symbol of unity – strangers working together, one stone at a time, with a common goal.  I added my stone.

 

When Europeans first settled this area, they planted their familiar Douglas Fir, which rapidly took over from the natural vegetation, so that the original animals and insects have disappeared also.  The Douglas Fir has a symbiotic relationship with this poisonous mushroom.

Large areas of Queenstown Hill consist solely of Douglas Fir and these mushrooms, so a campaign is currently in progress to restore the natural vegetation.

 

The “Basket of Dreams” is a metal sculpture by Caroline Robinson on Queenstown Hill.

 

The basket’s spiral of steel follows you:

inward, to reflect, to draw inspiration from the mountains, lake, and from those who are with you;

outward, to dream for the future.

Time flies, eternity awaits.  (From the plaque.)

 

Pat walking down from the Basket of Dreams.

 

Is this the top yet?

 

No, it wasn’t, but maybe this will be.

 

Yes, this is the top!

 

View over Queenstown from the top.

 

View over Frankton from the top.

We drove in to Queenstown from Wanaka along beside the lake (on the left hand side of this picture) – a very scenic drive. 

 

View of Queenstown airport and The Remarkables mountains from the top.

 

Coming down was much faster than going up.  However, it was just as hard on the legs, as you had to keep clenching your muscles to stop yourself careering wildly out of control down the steep slope.

When we reached the bottom of the track, we still had to walk down the steps.

 

Much easier walking down than up, and with a great sense of achievement!

Climbed on 17th April 2012.