The Tiki Trail is a short, but steep hike that takes you high above Queenstown New Zealand. We found that to truly appreciate what many call the “Adventure Capital of the World,” you have to see it from above! There’s also some awesome activities to take part in once you get to the top of the mountain. So whether you’re hiking the Tiki Trail or taking the Queenstown Skyline up, there’s no better time to experience Bob’s Peak!
Pin For Later ↓
Tiki Trail vs Skyline Queenstown Gondola
Tiki Trail Queenstown
Price: Free
Skill Level: Advanced
Time Needed: 60-90 Minutes
If you decide to make the hike up the Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak it will take you between an hour and 90 minutes to reach the top. We did it in early June which is the month where it starts getting a little chilly in New Zealand.
Once we got towards the peak the trail turned into snow and it was definitely a little bit more challenging! Keep the weather in mind before you start your climb up to Bob’s Peak. Also, be sure to have a good pair of hiking shoes on.
Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Price: $44 NZD Adult / $26 NZD Child
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
At the start of the Tiki Trail you will pass the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. If you don’t want to hike this is where you’ll buy your tickets to ride up to the famous Bob’s Peak.
Since 1967, the gondola has been taking visitors to this amazing city up to the peak and restaurant above. The views are truly beautiful, and it’s a great way to get up the mountain in the winter months.
Planning on doing the luge ride at the top? You can actually buy a package deal to get a discount with your Queenstown Skyline ride. Just pick the amount of luges you want when you’re getting your tickets.
For true adventure lovers, you can even take your mountain bike right on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. From there, you’ll be able to cycle the trails down!
The Steep Queenstown Hike to Bob’s Peak
We’ve done some pretty difficult hikes in New Zealand now, both short and long. However, the Tiki Trail might be the sharpest incline yet! The beginning of the trail is about a 10 minute walk from the center of Queenstown.
What begins as a completely vertical hike, continues on an unrelenting climb until you reach the summit. Honestly, we we were exhausted about halfway up!
Luckily, there are plenty of great stops along the way with views of town as you get closer to Bob’s Peak. We loved how even through the dense forest and pine trees towering over you, the Tiki Trail still gives plenty of windows to Queenstown below.
Once you’re near the top it’s switchback after switchback until you see the end of the gondola. It shouldn’t take you more than 2 hours even with plenty of stops.
Getting the Best View in Queenstown
We will try to put this into words, but the views from the top of Tiki Trail Queenstown are almost indescribable! Head through the cafe and out onto the metal walking planks around the exterior of the restaurant.
As you stroll along the walkway you’ll see the small city below with Lake Wakatipu surrounding it, and the stunning Remarkables mountain range in the distance.
This is also where you’ll experience all the insane Queenstown activities in all their glory! We couldn’t believe our eyes as we looked out to paragliders, mountain bikers, and the bungy swing right in front of us.
All the craziness going on around you will only amplify the unreal views from Bob’s Peak. This is the point where we truly understood why they call it the adventure capital of the world.
→ 18 Fun Things to do in Queenstown On Your First Visit
Other Activities Near Bob’s Peak
Mountain Biking: Bring your mountain bike on the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and choose from the many trails to ride on the way down. They range from easy to super intense. Do your research before taking on this downhill cycling adventure!
Zipline: Aside from the endless bike trails, you’ll also notice ziplining ropes all around you on the Tiki Trail. That’s because Ziptrek Ecotours actually operates the world’s steepest zipline course right here!
AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy & Swing: The Nevis Bungy jump in Queenstown is known for being one of the highest in the world, and there’s actually a great one at the top of the Tiki Trail in Queenstown, too. This awesome ledge jump will take you swinging high over the mountains.
Luge: Skyline Queenstown also offers a fun luge experience for all ages at the top of the gondola. Take a smaller chairlift up to the start of the course and then race down the mountain on this one of a kind track.
Paragliding: About 15 minutes further up from Bob’s Peak is the spot where the paragliders take off. What can’t you do on this mountain??
Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar: What better way to take in the best view in Queenstown than with a delicious New Zealand meal! Stratosfare has a wide range of menu items, and is also a great place to grab a drink.
Continue on to the Ben Lomond Track
Although this challenging hike can be done from the center of town, you can also start it from the top of the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. Plan for 5 to 7 hours roundtrip on this 11 km journey.
The Ben Lomond Track was honestly one of the most rewarding hikes we did on the South Island. If you have time and consider yourself in decent fitness, definitely make time for this adventure!
→ Ben Lomond Track: Why It’s the Best Hike From Queenstown NZ
More Queenstown Hikes and Walks
Frankton Arm Walkway – 3.5 Hours One Way – This walk starts in the center of Queenstown, takes you around the peninsula, and all the way to the town of Frankton. Make sure to stop at the Altitude Brewery on the way for a quick beverage!
Queenstown Hill – 2.5 Hours Roundtrip – The 2.5 km trail is one of the best day hikes in Queenstown. Just like the Tiki Trail it’s fairly steep, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the lake and town from the summit.
Lake Hayes Walk – 2.5 Hours Roundtrip – Just a 15 minute drive from Queenstown is another beautiful lake well worth exploring! The smooth path will be a nice easy stroll after some of the harder Queenstown hikes, and there are even nearby vineyards to enjoy while you’re in the area.
Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove – 1.5 Hours Roundtrip – Okay Lord of the Rings fans… This one’s for you! Along this short hike you’ll pass the scene of Ithilien Camp from the popular movie series, and yet another stunning viewpoint of Lake Wakatipu.
Mount Crichton Loop Track – 3 Hours Roundtrip – Last but not least, the Mt Chrichton Loop will take you through the nature just outside of Queenstown. Here you’ll pass rivers, waterfalls, and much more!
Where To Stay In Queenstown New Zealand
Ultra Luxury – Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel – Looking for a little luxury in between all your Queenstown hikes? This beautiful boutique hotel has panoramic views of Southern Alps, a restaurant on-site, and is close to all the best ski resorts.
Fun Vacation – Kamana Lakehouse – Just 5 minutes drive from the center of Queenstown is this amazing accommodation right on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy rooms with balconies and stunning views of the lake, and an art-deco style restaurant and bar.
Budget Travel – Mi-pad Smart Hotel – This high end, but budget friendly hotel is the perfect location near all the cities attractions. It’s just a short walk from start of the Tiki Trail in Queenstown, and all the best restaurants and bars in town.
Hostel Life – Tahuna Pod Hostel – This fun hostel is in the heart of Queenstown, and incorporates traditional Maori designs into its build. Choose from a multitude of pod rooms, or book a private room.
For more places to stay in Queenstown New Zealand you can explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions on the Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak or want to share more of the best Queenstown hikes? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
___________________________
New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll still need a vehicle to get around. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from a Milford Sound cruise with underwater observatory, to a Otago wine tour with gourmet wine & lunch, and even a Kaikoura whale watching cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
___________________________
South Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks
Queenstown: Fergburger (Is it Worth It?) – Fun Wine Tour – Queenstown Restaurants – Arrowtown NZ – 7 Milford Sound Tips
Mt. Cook & Tekapo: 10 Mount Cook Tips – Hooker Valley Track – 5 Can’t Miss Lake Tekapo
North Coast: Abel Tasman Day Hike – Wharariki Beach & Archway Islands – 6 Picton Things to Do
East Coast: Banks Peninsula – French Town of Akaroa – Tunnel Beach Dunedin – Hanmer Springs – Kaikoura
→ Explore all our North Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
