Queenstown Hill (Te Tapu-nui)

One of the few trails where beer and running collide. I mapped this course after 2 beers, seriously you can have a glass BEFORE the run then work it off on the hill. Also the home of the Queenstown Vertical Beer Mile (1 mile = drink one stubbie then do 200 metres up/200metres down repeat four times -if you can do this in under 10 minutes you will be close to the record!).

The basket of dreams is a very cool piece of artwork part way up. There is a nifty gate and numerous signs to read about the area. Keep a look out for all the work locals have been doing removing wilding Douglas Fir trees, it means we have a great view from the top for generations to come. Occasionally at night you will spot a morepork. The ponds (which are off the main trail) have native water fowl too. California Quail also flit away from you often as you run the trail.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Park your car at the Queenstown Hill carpark. It's small, sol if there is no room there's plenty of on-street parking.
This track is great because it is easily accessible on foot from central Queenstown.

1 km

3 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

The moderate rating is because the standard trail is easy to follow, but be aware there are plenty of paths that go off the trail, and believe me you can upgrade this to extreme if you decide to go off the trail into the forest where parts are impenetrable.
Upgrade the navigation rating to experienced if you decide to go off the main trail.

Generally good.

Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

None - unless you take a few beers, this is not a water course but a beer course (we normally have a few sitting on the rocks at the start/end carpark)

Runnable all year which increases the appeal, but be aware the hill can get super slippery in wet conditions, is fun in snow but if there is ice it is very gnarly, hence the winter gear list.

Steep drop offs especially in the non-standard trails that connect to Queenstown Hill, running downhill on snow or ice or at night slow down as it is very easy to fall unlike summer when it is sweet as. Drinking beer and running is a challenge if you haven't done it before watch out! - it becomes easier to fall over believe me ;)

Smiths Craft Beer House
53 Shotover Street, Queenstown.
http://www.smithscraftbeer.co.nz/
OMG best craft beers around, this is why they built Queenstown. Home bar for the local Frontrunner group, pretty much the only place we go post run. Another compulsory we always order "Loaded Fries" to eat these are so good we have never eaten anything else on the menu ;)

Brazz Steakhouse Bar & Grill
1 Athol St, Queenstown 9300
brazz.co.nz/
Locals bar for well priced beer and dinner close to the trail. Also have standard beers if you don't like craft styles.

Fergburger
42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300
fergburger.com
World famous, ridiculously good taste and the only place you can get it, just watch out for the really long line of tourists wanting to eat. You can actually order an alcoholic drink here too while listening to some sweet sounds!