12 Mile Delta (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is 12 Mile Delta?
What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Couples get quiet lakeside sunsets, easy 1.5-hour Bob’s Cove walk and kayak launches for two, yet should accept rustic camping toilets and no dining venues on site.
Positives:
- Scenic diversity: Combines lakeside hikes, water sports and night sky viewing in one spot.
- Easy access: Short drive from Queenstown town centre along Glenorchy Road.
Challenges:
- No powered sites: Camping sites do not have electricity; bring portable battery packs.
- Cold water: Lake water remains around 10 °C even in summer; wear a wetsuit for longer swims.
What is 12 Mile Delta?
- A Department of Conservation-managed campsite and reserve located 12 km northwest of Queenstown on Glenorchy Road
- A lakeside peninsula defined by native beech forest, historic lime kilns, and exposed glacial gravel terraces along Lake Wakatipu
- A DOC site offering non-powered camping sites, basic flush toilets, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp, with trailheads for the Bob’s Cove and Lake Dispute Tracks
What is so special about 12 Mile Delta for couple trip?
- Hike the 6 km Bob’s Cove Track along native bush and historic lime kilns.
- Enjoy a private lakeside picnic at sunrise or sunset.
- Explore hidden bays by kayak with gear rentable in Queenstown.
- Experience thrilling canyoning tours through rock gorges.
- Stargaze under dark skies far from city lights.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for hiking, water activities, stargazing and a relaxed picnic without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in 12 Mile Delta
Bob’s Cove Track hike:
Follow the 6 km return lakeshore trail from Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove.
Tip: Start early to avoid midday sun and bring water and snacks.
Sunrise or sunset picnic:
Use campsite picnic tables and sandy beaches for lakeside meals.
Tip: Pack a portable blanket and pick a spot near the water for mountain views.
Kayaking hidden bays:
Launch from the DOC boat ramp and paddle to secluded inlets.
Tip: Wear a wetsuit or layers; book rentals in Queenstown a day ahead.
Guided canyoning adventure:
Abseil waterfalls and swim through narrow rock gorges.
Tip: Book with a certified operator and check age and fitness requirements.
Stargazing by Lake Wakatipu:
Lay a blanket on the shore to watch the Southern Hemisphere sky.
Tip: Bring headlamps with red light mode to preserve night vision.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to 12 Mile Delta
- Early arrival: Arrive before 9 AM to secure a lakeside picnic spot on busy summer weekends.
- Pack carefully: Carry all food and water as there are no on-site shops or cafes.
Reviews of 12 Mile Delta
Christina Mees
Very friendly service, good views. Longdrop toilets, no shower, no sink to clean dishes, running water for cooking and teeth available. If you don’t have cash the ranger is doing morning rounds and you can pay by card. 15NZSpp/night.. guess that’s the price you pay around Queenstown
Jeroen S
Beware: the campsite is rated a standard DOC campsite. However, it is not a DOC run campsite (your campsite pass doesn’t work here), nor does it have the facilities of a standard campsite. There are about 3 toilets (with one being so dirty there are effectively only 2) and no cooking shelter. The spots are okay, but the campsite is not worth the $15 a person. Only go here if you have no other opt...
Holly Lourie
This is my favourite campsite I have ever been too! A great location with wonderful views! Amazing walks around and to top it all off ,Simon and Ange (the managers) are incredible people! The work they put in to maintaining and bettering the camp is outstanding! There is also mirrors in the bathroom!! Would come back in a heartbeat!! Highly highly recommend
Nik Moisley
First camp night near Queenstown on our trip. Weather was perfect so the views were amazing. Lots of excellent sites to choose from. Lovely drive with amazing views of the water and mountains. Loved it!
Clara K
We arrived too late to pay and could just pay the next morning, the person charging us was very nice about it. Easy access to the lake which we took a fast dip, but as it was raining and the beginning of September it was more like ice bathing than an enjoyable swim. Which is what we intended to do :))
When is the best time to visit 12 Mile Delta (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
In summer, water warms for kayaking and swimming. Spring and autumn offer mild weather for hikes. Winter nights get very cold—wear insulated layers for stargazing.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single kayak rental (per person, per day) | NZD 65 |
| Guided canyoning tour (per person) | NZD 200 |
| Campsite fee (per adult, per night) | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 560 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of 12 Mile Delta
Address: Mount Creighton 9371, New Zealand
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