Jack's Point Trail
Distance 6.3km
Time Bike: 2 - 3 hrs return, Walk: 2hrs one way
Level Advanced (Grade 4)
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Jack's Point Trail

Kelvin Heights to Jack's Point

Offering spectacular views of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding peaks, the Jacks Point Trail (Advanced, Grade 4), includes some steep climbs, descents and tight bends, with some technical sections.  Well worth the effort, but not recommended for less experienced riders.

Jardine Park

The Jacks Point Trail can be started from either end. There is plenty of parking at Jardine Park/Kelvin Peninsula, and at Jacks Point. Jardine Park has great beginner trails for those learning to ride and a wee kids pump track. You'll also find toilets, a kids playground, tennis course and the Jean Malpas Community Nursery.

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Epic views

The trail traverses above the shoreline between Kelvin Heights and Jacks Point, offering superb lake and mountain views at every turn.

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Epic Terrain

The trail is considered an advanced (grade 4) trail due to its tight corners and steep pitches, however it really is worth the ride. Just be sure to take it easy and go slow, pushing your bike when you need to.

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Take a Breath and soak up the view

Cradled in mountains!  To the west, the Eyre Mountains: Cecil Peak, Walter Peak and the Bayonet Peaks.  To the north, Queenstown is nestled under Ben Lomond, Te Taumata-o-Hakitekura.  Further around the horizon are Coronet and Brow Peak's.  To the east, the towering and dominant Remarkables, Kawarau.  

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Jack's Point & Hanley Farm

As the southern corridor suburbs continue to expand, a plethora of cafes, shops and restaurants are popping up throughout Jacks Point and Hanley Farm.  Coffee, lunch, snacks and supplies - you can find it all here.

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By Bike
By Foot

Trail Description

Advanced (Grade 4)

6.3 km one way 

The Jacks Point Trail has trail heads in Jardine Park at the Kelvin Heights end, and on the southern side of Jacks Point.

The trail between Kelvin Heights and Jack's Point is one of the most spectacular sections of the Queenstown Trail and is the ideal ride for those wanting to get off the beaten track. The trail is a popular shared use trail. so expect passing walkers as you ride through a landscape of wild tussock and natural schist.  The Jacks Point Trail undulates along the above Lake Whakatipu, offering incredible views towards Kingston to the south, and the Eyre Mountains to the west. 

This ride is classified as a advanced (grade 4) trail due to some steep climbs, descents and a couple of tight bends. The last 3kms are particularly steep and technical. The trail is narrower than the rest of the Queenstown Trail, however overall its pretty smooth gravel surface. We highly recommend this trail, it's worth the effort, just be sure to get off and push your bike for a few minutes if you are a less experienced rider.

What to expect

- A maintained track
- Sections where gravel may be loose/soft
- Trail surface includes rocks and tree roots
- Sections of trail where you may experience poor traction
- Steep gradients
- Trail width varies, and is narrower in some places
- Tight corners 
- Sign posting and good cell phone reception

Skills/Experience Needed

The Jacks Point Trail is a Grade 4 (Advanced) trail.  If you are not comfortable riding a Grade 4 trail, try walking it instead.

The Jacks Point Trail is suitable for fit and experienced cyclists, with good off-road skills.

 

Know before you go

  1. Jardine Park is a great family destination and picnic spot - the park includes a playground, disc golf course, and flying fox.  There are also easy walking and biking trails to explore the extensive conservation work and glorious lake views.
  2. At the Jacks Point end of the trail, head into Jacks Point or Hanley Farm for a well-earned rest. Jacks Point boasts a world-class golf course, and amongst the residential development of the southern corridor suburbs there are some great cafes, shops and restaurants to discover.  

Adaptive Riding Info

  • Trail Width:
    Narrow sections where the trail is ~1m wide
  • Steep Sections:
    The Jacks Point Trail includes multiple steep sections of trail along its length, there are also some tight and narrow corners
  • Narrow Structures:
    There are several cattle-stop features at various locations along the trail, these comprise of a metal grid that is flush with the trail surface, and are bounded by wooden railings, there should be a minimum clearance of 1.5m between the railings

  • Sections of the Jacks Point Trail have loose or rocky/rooty surfaces

Trail Description

6.3 km one way 

A day walk taking approx. 2-3hours one way.

 

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About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Plan and prepare
  • Code of Conduct
  • Support Queenstown Trails

Getting there

The Jacks Point Trail can be ridden in either direction, and has two main starting points:

  • Jardine Park, Kelvin Peninsula - Jardine Park is at the end of Poplar Drive
  • Jacks Point - southern end of Jacks Point near the intersection of Lodge Road and Homestead Bay Road.

There is parking available at each end of the trail.

The Jack's Point Trail links to the Kelvin Peninsula Trail and either back to Queenstown or towards Gibbston / Arrowtown via the Twin Rivers Trail.

 

Trail Transport

Transport is readily available to and from Jack's Point for you and your bikes - get in touch with one of our tour operators for bike hire and transport options via our Trail Directory.

Plan and prepare

 

Pack water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat (for walkers) or a helmet visor (for bikers) in summer. In winter, carry plenty of warm and waterproof clothing – it gets very cold.  The Jacks Point Trail is subject to strong southerly and westerly winds, an extra windproof layer is a great idea.

Watch children closely, as there are sections with steep drops by the track edge.

If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike rather than a road bike. 

You can combine this trail with other nearby bike trails for a longer ride. It is part of the Queenstown Trail Great Ride. 

 

Code of Conduct

Respect Others

  • Keep left
  • Signal your approach to other trail users
  • Be courteous and give way to pedestrians
  • Slow down and stay in control of your bike
  • Keep dogs under control

Respect the Rules

  • Stay on the trail, do not enter private property
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Do not disturb livestock

Respect the Trails

  • Don't skid, cut corners or make new lines
  • Take your rubbish home
  • Be prepared (carry food, water, first aid, tools and warm clothes)

Share the Road

  • Stay left and follow the road rules
  • Ride predictably and signal your intentions

MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL

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