12 Mile Delta (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is 12 Mile Delta?
What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveller can easily hike, bike, fish and camp here, pay no entrance fee and rely on basic toilets, but must be comfortable with remote location and bring food and water.
Positives:
- Free access: All main trails and lakeshore are open without charges or permits
- Wildlife viewing: Look for native birds like Tūī and occasional trout surfacing near the shore
Challenges:
- Limited facilities: Toilets and water taps are basic; pack snacks and a refillable bottle
- Variable weather: Conditions change quickly on the lakefront; carry rain gear and extra layers
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 solo trip?
- Easy, free lakeside trails ideal for solo day trips
- Mountain biking and fishing options for independent adventurers
- Unique fossil-hunting spots on the shoreline
- Excellent dark-sky location for stargazing
- Basic amenities—plan supplies ahead
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a return hike to Bob’s Cove, a side trip to Lake Dispute or fossil hunting without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in 12 Mile Delta
Bob’s Cove Track:
Hike the 6 km return lakeshore path through native bush to a rocky cove with clear water
Tip: Start early to avoid midday sun and bring water; the trail is easy but unshaded
Mountain biking on the Delta Loop:
Cycle the flat 12 Mile→Bob’s Cove section or extend via Lake Dispute Track into Mt Crichton Loop
Tip: Rent a bike in Queenstown and carry basic tools; a short push up to Lake Dispute is required
Fossil hunting at Farry’s Beach:
Search shoreline shingle for oyster and algae fossils embedded in ancient sediments
Tip: Bring a hand lens and small brush; low lake levels reveal more fossil beds
Trout fishing on Lake Wakatipu:
Cast from the shore for rainbow and brown trout or salmon with a valid licence
Tip: Buy a day licence (~NZD 46) online before arrival and use local bait shops for tackle
Stargazing on the Delta shore:
View clear night skies away from town lights and photograph the Milky Way
Tip: Bring a tripod and warm layers; the best views are after midnight on a new moon
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to 12 Mile Delta
- Early start: Arrive before 9 am to secure a lakeside parking spot and quieter trails
- Combine with Glenorchy: Use the Delta stop as a gateway to Glenorchy Road attractions on the same day
- Light packing: Carry only essentials in a daypack to ease bike transport and short hikes
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)?
Summer (Dec–Feb) offers warm weather and wildflowers but add sun protection. Winter trails stay open but bring layers and check for icy patches. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and crisp mornings ideal for stargazing.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Day bike rental | NZD 40 |
| Fishing licence (day) | NZD 46 |
| Taxi return from Queenstown | NZD 50 |
| Campsite fee (per night) | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 151 |
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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