12 Mile Delta (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is 12 Mile Delta?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Children can bike the mostly flat track, paddle in the shallow shore and camp cheaply, although there is no playground, no lifeguard and only simple flush toilets with cold lake water.
Positives:
- Easy access: Only 12 km from Queenstown on a sealed road, reachable by family car or campervan.
- Picnic facilities: Multiple picnic tables near the water simplify mealtimes with young children.
Challenges:
- Cold lake water: Even in summer the water stays around 10 °C, so swims can be brief.
- Limited family amenities: No playground, no baby-change tables or power outlets at the campsite.
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 with kids?
- Safe, shallow shores let kids paddle and splash under supervision
- Flat lakeside trail offers easy family bike rides and short walks
- Picnic tables lakeside make mealtimes simple and scenic
- Tandem kayaks let parents guide kids to explore hidden bays
- Campsite fees are affordable and the site is just 12 km from Queenstown
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for swimming, a picnic, a short bike ride and kayaking without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in 12 Mile Delta
Shallow lake swimming and beach play:
The gentle sandy shore at the campsite is perfect for supervised paddling and splashing.
Tip: Bring towels and dry clothes; water stays cold even in summer, so brief swims work best.
Lakeshore picnic:
Use the picnic tables near the water for an easy family meal.
Tip: Pack finger foods and plenty of water to avoid carrying heavy coolers far from car parks.
Family bike rides on Bob’s Cove Track:
Ride the mostly flat 6 km lakeside trail with only two short uphill pushes.
Tip: Rent bikes with child-size frames and helmets; ride early to avoid midday sun.
Tandem or sit-on-top kayaking:
Explore hidden bays on Lake Wakatipu using two-person or sit-on-top kayaks.
Tip: Wear lifejackets at all times and choose calm mornings for gentler water.
Fishing with kids:
Allow older children to learn casting for trout under supervision.
Tip: Children over 5 need a NZ fishing licence; check gear rental desks in town.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to 12 Mile Delta
- Arrive early: Secure lakeside spots before campervans and day-trippers arrive, especially on weekends.
- Pre-book rentals: Reserve bikes and kayaks in Queenstown town to guarantee the right sizes for kids.
- Pack snacks and layers: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and extra clothing for changing mountain weather.
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, wear sun hats and apply sunscreen. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure lakeside spots. In cooler months, dress in layers and limit swims to brief wades.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| One-night campsite fee (2 adults + 2 children) | NZD 45 |
| Tandem kayak rental (day) | NZD 80 |
| Bike rentals (2 adult + 2 kids, day) | NZD 140 |
| Self-catered picnic supplies | NZD 30 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 295 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of 12 Mile Delta
Address: Mount Creighton 9371, New Zealand
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