Walking & Hiking Guide
Explore Queenstown’s trails from your base at Judge & Jury Village
Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned tramper, Queenstown’s trail network delivers unforgettable experiences on foot. Nestled between two national parks and within reach of three of New Zealand’s Great Walks—the Routeburn, Milford, and Kepler Tracks—this region is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. And at the heart of it all lies Judge & Jury Village, a character-rich hospitality hub in Gibbston Valley offering themed accommodation, local storytelling, and direct access to stunning walks.
From lakeside loops to alpine summits, every trail here tells a story. Stay at Judge & Jury and you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Queenstown’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cinematic landscapes—on foot.
Walks at Judge & Jury Village
Walk One: Judge & Jury
Begin your walk by heading down the driveway toward the barn. Just opposite the barn gate, you’ll spot another gate leading toward the Judge and Jury formations—step through (don’t forget to close it behind you) and follow the fence line until you reach the next gate.
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From here, the view opens up dramatically over Gibbston Valley—pause and take it in. Once through the second gate, a faint farm track leads downhill, curving gently around the base of the Judge. Follow this path as it winds into a secluded valley cradled between the towering silhouettes of the Judge and the Jury.
At the far end of the valley, you’ll be treated to a spectacular panorama: the Kawarau River glinting below, Chard Farm nestled on the hillside, the rugged spine of The Remarkables to your left, Coronet Peak to your right, and the summit of Ben Lomond rising proudly ahead. It’s a view worth lingering over—especially at sunset, with a glass of local wine in hand.
Bring a bottle of wine and watch the sun set—it’s magic!
1km
30 mins
Walk Two: Quarry Climb
Begin by crossing the paddocks toward the barn, then pass through the deer gate (be sure to close it behind you). From here, follow the old farm track as it winds gently uphill through open grassland.
This track leads to the outer boundary of Judge & Jury Farm, but feel free to meander and explore along the way—the landscape invites curiosity.
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When you reach the large deer gate at the top of the rise, stay within the fence line and continue your ascent. Eventually, you’ll come to a sheep gate—hop over it and make your way toward the quarry’s edge.
Take care as you approach: the rock face drops steeply below. We recommend settling back from the edge and soaking in the sweeping views across Gibbston Valley.
It’s a rewarding climb, so consider packing a picnic and enjoying a well-earned rest with a view.
1km
1 hour
Walk Three: Gold Mining Heritage Trail
This gentle stroll down the driveway invites you to step back in time. Along the way, keep an eye out for remnants of old gold mining water races, subtle traces of stone dwellings, and a curious mound once used to mark a miner’s claim.
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The road you’re following is no ordinary track—it’s the original route used to haul stone from the quarry to the bridge under construction in 1880. When the bridge was finally completed, it became the site of a grand celebratory lunch attended by over 500 people, including prominent figures from Queenstown and Arrowtown.
As you approach the bridge from this end, you’ll notice a distinctive sharp bend in the road. This wasn’t a design choice—it was the result of a gold miner who refused to adjust the boundary of his claim to accommodate the bridge. His stubborn stance left a permanent kink in the landscape, a quirky reminder of the region’s spirited past.
Feel free to wander through the lower section of the property. There’s plenty to discover—from hidden relics to sweeping views—and every step reveals another layer of Gibbston’s rich history.
Explore freely: The property is rich with hidden stories and scenic corners. Roam free!
2km
1 hour
Walks in Gibbston Valley
Gibbston River Trail
Gibbston Valley offers a quieter, vineyard-fringed walking experience with trails that showcase the region’s rugged charm:
A scenic riverside walk linking wineries, picnic spots, and viewpoints along the Kawarau River.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/gibbston-river-trail/9104/
9km (one way)
3-5 hours
Chard Farm Lookout
A short walk along Chard Road offers stunning views back toward Judge & Jury and down the length of the Gibbston Valley, making it a beautiful mini‑adventure for guests. To enjoy the best of both worlds, drive from Judge & Jury Village to the start of Chard Road, turning right off Gibbston Back Road and parking safely where the sealed road meets the gravel. From there, walk the remaining 1.5 km along Chard Road, following the quiet gravel track toward the river and vineyards. The lookout appears just before the winery buildings, offering a dramatic vantage point over the Kawarau Gorge and the terraced landscape.
3km
1 hour round trip
Peregrine Loop
A gentle loop near Peregrine Wines, perfect for a post-tasting stroll.
These trails are ideal for combining walking with wine tasting, photography, and relaxed exploration.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/queenstown-area/things-to-do/peregrine-loop-track/
3km loop
1 hour
Walks in the Queenstown Region
Queenstown’s trail network is vast and varied, offering everything from family-friendly strolls to full-day alpine climbs
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Climb to the Basket of Dreams sculpture for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/queenstown-hill-time-walk/2039/
5km return
2-3 hours
Ben Lomond Track
A challenging alpine hike with 360° views from the summit. Start from town or take the Skyline Gondola to save time.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/ben-lomond-track/9114/
14km return
6-8 hours
Lake Hayes Loop
A gentle lakeside walk with reflections of the surrounding mountains.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/lake-hayes-loop-track/12465/
8km
1.5-2 hours
Sawpit Gully & Tobins Track (Arrowtown)
Historic gold-mining trails with forested gullies and open ridgelines.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/sawpit-gully-trail/2040/
8km loop
2-3 hours
Moonlight Track
A remote, rugged trail linking Queenstown to Arthurs Point via alpine meadows and old mining sites.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listing/moonlight-track/2038/
14km one way
4 hours
Great Walks Near Queenstown
Queenstown is a launchpad for three of New Zealand’s most iconic multi-day hikes
Routeburn Track
Alpine passes, waterfalls, and ancient forests. Starts near Glenorchy, just an hour from Judge & Jury.
https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/routeburn-track
32km
2-3 days
Milford Track
Begins at Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound. Requires advance booking.
https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/milford-track
53.5km
4 days
Kepler Track
A loop through Fiordland’s mountains, lakes, and beech forests.
https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/kepler-track/
60km
3-4 days
Why Stay at Judge & Jury Village?
Judge & Jury isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to walk, wander, and wonder. Here’s why it’s perfect for hiking enthusiasts:
Whether you’re watching the sunset from the Judge, tracing gold-mining history, or prepping for a multi-day tramp, Judge & Jury offers a soulful, scenic base for your walking adventures.
Local operators offer gear hire, transport, and guided options to make planning easy, Take a look below: