Te Punatapu or Bob’s Cove is a popular bay just 15 minutes drive out of Queenstown. You can do the short walk around the bay and the viewing platform from the mountain here or you can do the longer walk we have described. Starting at Twelve Mile Delta and taking in the bush and a few beaches along the way to Te Punatapu.
The longer walk is great for Lord of the Rings fans with 2 filming locations along the trail. We even walked past a tour group on our way back to the Twelve Mile Delta campsite. If you aren’t a lord of the rings fan, you’ll enjoy the small beaches along the walk and the view at the top of Bob’s Knob. If you can, spend the night at Twelve Mile Delta Campsite. It is our favourite camping spot in Queenstown. It’s a Department of Conservation (D.O.C) site so it doesn’t cost much to stay along the lake’s edge.
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Details
Starting Point: Twelve mile delta campsite
Distance: 12.5km
Duration: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
When: November
Local Iwi: Ngāi Tahu
Additional Information: This can become an easier 6km walk if you have two cars and can leave one at the start.
Trail Map
Getting to the Starting Point of Te Punatapu Bob’s Cove
This is a there and back walk that can either be started at Twelve Mile Delta Campground (there is day parking here if you aren’t camping) or the Bob’s Cove car park. There isn’t a lot of parking at Bob’s Cove and it isn’t suitable for bigger vehicles, so we recommend starting at Twelve Mile Delta.
The Trail
Starting from Twelve Mile Delta, find the start of the track from the edge of the day parking area. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Just keep close to the river until you cross it on a footbridge. Before you continue any further on the trail, you may want to scope out the first of many Lord of the Rings filming locations shot here at Twelve Mile Delta.
First Film Location at Twelve Mile Delta
The Ithilien camp scene was filmed right here along with the famous potato scene where Sam cooks the coneys Sméagol caught from the river. The film location cooking at the fire can be found by following a small unmarked track through the low scrub just to the left of the main track. You’ll see a ring of rocks that have been used to mark the film location for all the tour groups that come by here.
We found it helpful to have a picture of the scene saved on our phones to compare to what you can see now. The trees and shrubs have changed a bit, but it’s easy enough to spot when you use the mountains as a reference point.
Second Film Location at Twelve Mile Delta
Back on the main track, follow it up the cliff face and be sure to pause at the first break in the trees. Here you can look down onto the scene that would have been the Ithilien camp and where Sam saw the Oliphants. The area was also used to film the battle between the Rangers of Gondor and the men of Harad, as well as the bank on the river where Sam, Frodo, and Sméagol watched the battle unfold.
There isn’t really a track to follow for either of these locations, so we recommend not trying to get directly to them. Leave no trace still applies here. So please keep to the tracks and don’t trample any small plants by leaving the trails provided.
From here there are sadly no more Lord of the Rings locations to scout. However, there are a few beautiful little beaches you’ll come across and stunning views over Lake Wakatipu at every hill you climb over, making your way along the trail down to Te Punatapu or Bob’s cove.
Te Punatapu (Bob’s Cove) View Point
When the track forks to Bob’s Knob and Bob’s Cove, follow the trail to the left as you climb up to the lookout. The left trail makes for an easier climb than it does a descent, so we took this to get up to the viewing platform. The climb to the top is steep, but not too far.
There is a well-placed picnic table here so you can catch your breath, have a snack and take in the incredible views of the blue water below. Take the opposite trail down and it’s a lot less steep offering views over Bobs Cove as you descend.
Historic Kiln
Shortly after climbing down from Bob’s Knob, you’ll reach a small jetty. If it’s not crowded with people taking Instagram pictures or jumping into the water, check it out! Both times we passed the jetty, it was full of people so we decided not to join the crowds. A little further on to the right of the track, you’ll come across a lime kiln from the 1870s.
The kiln was used by the Wakatipu Lime Company to process the limestone they quarried in the region. You’ll see a few building relics from the company along the walk from the cove to Twelve Mile Delta. There are some information signs here, so have a little read to learn more.
Te Punatapu (Bob’s Cove)
Follow the track for a few more minutes past the kiln and you’ll find a beautiful pebble beach and picnic area awaiting you. There are long drop toilets here if you need them and plenty of space to lay down a towel and stop for lunch as you enjoy the bay. Once you have had a quick dip or at least felt the water turn around and retrace your steps back to Twelve Mile Delta.
Alternatively, if you have someone to pick you up or you left a car at this end, then follow the track up past the beach to reach the Bob’s Cove Car Park.
Extra Tips/Info for Te Punatapu Bob’s Cove
When looking at the Lord of the Rings filming locations, please be mindful to stay on the trails provided. If there isn’t a track to get to a point you want to see, then you’ll have to settle for seeing it from afar. The shrub here is just as fragile as anywhere else you hike and needs to be protected. Part of the leave no trace hiking motto that everyone should follow when out in nature is to stay on the tracks provided.
Keen for more inspo? Be sure to check out:
- 5 Free Things to do in Christchurch
- What to Pack for an Eco-Conscious Day Hike
- 5 Things We Love About New Zealand
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