Back to Queenstown.
I remember spending at least two summers in Queenstown and nearby areas. One of the reasons why my friend and I found a lot of places to hang out and simply be outdoor.
Bob’s cove is a perfect place to hang or go on a picnic during the summer months when the heat could drive you crazy.
Bob’s cove track
With only 14 km from Queenstown, Bob’s cove is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. I have been here a few times and it always felt amazing, sunny or cloudy days.
Leaving town and heading towards Glenorchy, you would find Bob’s cove car park on this scenic drive on the left-hand side, as it is very popular during the summer, you may need to park along the road if the parking lot is full.
Following the path, you would see a junction with the instruction board, there are more than 5 different trails you can go on in this area, but I only did the first one which is “Lime Kins and Jetty direct”, with the sole purpose of dipping in the water, it is also the shortest one.
We basically strolled along the cove following this track. It is well-maintained and shaded thanks to the beech forest and native bush.
There is plenty of space for a picnic, there is a perfect spot for watching the sunset, the sparkling water under the sunlight creates picture-perfect scenery. The first time I went there was in December which is summertime in New Zealand, we thought it would be nice to cool off in the heat, but as soon as we hit the water, it was utterly freezing that we couldn’t stay for too long but a dip.
As we continue, the track leads us to an open area where we can admire the crystal clear water and unspoiled nature.
The track is flat and short and it ends at the jetty.
Jump off that jetty.
It was a cloudy and chilly day before the new year, I was determined to take that shot even though the water was freezing. I remember we finally stopped after 4 attempts, it was fun but that was enough, I mean I drank enough water, LOL.
In contrast to the busy waterfront in the town center, Bob’s cove is a private and quiet part of Wakatipu lake, trust me, it makes you feel like you’re at a private beach.
12 Mile Delta campsite
From Bob’s cove, you can also follow a track that leads to 12 Mile Delta, another check-in spot if you’re a fan of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
I’ve never done this trail, but I camped at 12 Mile Delta once and it was unforgettable. Why?
It snowed the next morning all out of a sudden, and it was in the middle of Spring. I was sleeping in the car until I woke up feeling chiller than usual. Look around, everything was covered in frost. The snow was falling.
If you want to see more of Queenstown, check out How to spend a day in Queenstown
That's it for today! See you next time!