Frankton

Frankton is a small neighbourhood and quiet alternative to staying in the busy tourist centre of Queenstown. Frankton sits on the eastern shores of the Frankton Arm, an area of the vast Lake Wakatipu. Come to this suburb to see fantastic mountain scenery from well-maintained waterfront trails and park reserves.

Walk along the popular Frankton Arm Walkway, which begins at the suburb’s waterfront and follows the northern shores of Frankton Arm towards Queenstown Gardens. Gaze across the water and admire the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables mountain range. Stop for a drink, snacks or lunch with views of the water at a boathouse café. Allow between 2-3 hours for a return journey on this trail.

Venture to the water’s edge at Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve to appreciate views of the mountains reflected in the glistening lake water. Cross Kawarau Falls Bridge, which was built in the 1920s to control the water flow of Kawarau River, a distributary of Lake Wakatipu. Stroll along the Kelvin Peninsula Walkway on the southern banks of the Frankton Arm and look up at Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill, two mountains that rise above Queenstown’s town centre.

Play a round of nine holes or try footgolf at the Frankton Golf Course. Step aboard a helicopter for an awe-inspiring flight to the summit of Cecil Peak.

Find a range of amenities, including car rental companies, tour operators and a shopping mall in the suburb. Dine at fast food joints, pubs and steakhouses.

Frankton is home to Queenstown Airport, which receives flights from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in addition to major cities in Australia. The suburb and airport are just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown’s commercial centre; public buses depart regularly from the airport and Frankton bus station. Use Frankton as a base for discovering the world-famous adventure pursuits in Queenstown, including bungee jumping, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and toboggan-style go-karting.