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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: -45.07315, 168.52972. 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
- 6 km one way return via same track
- Walking time
- 1–2 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Queenstown area
- Seasonal restrictions
- Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
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
Follow the shore of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy lake views, native bush and ancient marine sediments. Twelve Mile Delta was a location for Lord of the Rings' Ithilien Camp.
This DOC directory entry covers Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove Track in Otago, within 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: 6 km one way return via same track
- Walking time: 1–2 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Twelve Mile Delta to Bob's Cove Track follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The trail meanders through native bush while alternating with lake views.
The track connects to the Bob's Cove Track. Walkers can also use this track to connect with the Mt Crichton Loop Track.
Mountain bikers will find small climbs with mixed terrain surfaces.
Film enthusiasts will be interested to know that Twelve Mile Delta was a location for the Ithilien Camp in The Lord of the Rings trilogy – see more Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Getting there
Turn off at 'Twelve Mile Delta Camping and Picnic Area' sign posted on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road then follow the signs to the track start at the western end of the camping area.
Take extra care when parking
During the summer months, accessing car parking sites along the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road can be very busy.
Extreme caution is required. It is not recommended to park along the roadside or reverse out onto the road as the high-flow of traffic is going at speed.
Visiting outside of peak times (in the morning or early evening) may make the parking at this site easier.
Know before you go
Dogs are allowed in Twelve Mile Recreation Reserve but must be on a lead.
Nature and conservation
Budding geologists will delight in the ancient marine sediments found between Bobs Cove–Picnic Point and Twelve Mile Creek. Fossils of oyster shells, other molluscs and algae can be found at Farry’s Beach.
Keep an eye out for summer’s red rata flowers around the lakeshore, Pittosporum and the large white flowered native clematis in spring.
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.
