Queenstown Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queenstown Hill |
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| Te Tapu-nui | |
"Queenstown Hill" viewed from Moonlight Track
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 907 m (2,976 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Queenstown Hill
Location in New Zealand
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Queenstown Hill, also known as Te Tapu-nui in the Māori language, is a special mountain near Queenstown, New Zealand. Its Māori name means "mountain of intense sacredness." This mountain stands about 907 meters (2,976 feet) tall. You can find it on the South Island of New Zealand.
The lower parts of Queenstown Hill have many houses. These homes are especially close to Queenstown, Frankton Road, and Marina Heights. As you go higher, you will see a large forest. This forest is mostly filled with Douglas fir and larch trees. The very top of the hill is open and clear. Here, you will find tussock grass and other native plants.
Queenstown Hill is also home to a working farm. This farm has about 1,800 sheep! The Middleton family owns and runs the farm. They bought the land in 1963 and have cared for it ever since. A popular walking path, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, goes through part of their land.
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Explore the Queenstown Hill Time Walk
The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a special path created in the year 2000. It was made to celebrate the new millennium. This walk lets you explore the history and nature of the area.
Starting Your Adventure
You can find the entrance to the Time Walk on Belfast Terrace. At the very start, there is a beautiful gate made of wrought iron. This gate has cool symbols that show things from the local area.
Discovering History Along the Path
As you walk, you will see many signs, called panels, along the way. These panels tell you all about the history of Queenstown Hill. They share interesting facts and stories about the area.
How Long Does the Walk Take?
The full walk usually takes about three hours to complete. This includes walking up and back down. But if you are short on time, you can choose to do a shorter part of the loop. This way, you can still enjoy the views without doing the whole track.
Rules for the Trail
It is important to know that bikes are not allowed on this walking track. However, you can bring your dog for part of the walk. Dogs are allowed up to the private land boundary, which is about halfway up. Remember, your dog must be on a leash at all times to keep everyone safe.
The Basket of Dreams Sculpture
Near the top of Queenstown Hill, you will find a unique sculpture. It is called the Basket of Dreams. A talented artist named Caroline Robinson created this artwork.
Amazing Views from the Top
From the Basket of Dreams sculpture, you can see incredible views. You can look out over the entire Queenstown basin. This includes the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. You can also spot Cecil Peak and the impressive mountain range called The Remarkables. It is a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying nature's beauty!
