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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.02771, 168.44156. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 800 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 15 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Glenorchy area / Queenstown area
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Experience iconic views of Lake Whakatipu, Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and the Glenorchy area.
This DOC directory entry covers Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint Walk in Otago, within Glenorchy area / Queenstown area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 800 m return via same track
- Walking time: 15 min return
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Description
This easy graded walking track is 800 m and takes 15 min return. The track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
On a clear day, take in the views of the upper Whakatipu district and Mount Aspiring National Park in the distance. This view is often used to promote New Zealand and the Queenstown region.
The walk winds up on a steady easy gradient. Starting through natural shrublands the track leads to a high rock knoll. At the top of the track, enjoy the stunning lake and mountain views.
Getting there
The walk starts from the carpark located half way between Queenstown and Glenorchy. It is well signposted from Glenorchy-Queenstown road.
The carpark offers plenty of space for car, motor home and bus parking.
Know before you go
Queenstown Lakes District Council provide carparking and toilet facilities at the start of the track.
Nature and conservation
The track passes through natural shrublands offering good views of the surrounding mountainsides.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
