Shirt Tail Track Lookout | Day Walk in Kingston NZ
The Shirt Tail Track Lookout gives you panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the town of Kingston NZ. It’s a short but very steep walk to the top, offering a lower viewpoint suitable for families and an upper bush line trek for more experienced trampers.
Note: There’s a few different names for this walk, but it’s most commonly known as the Shirt Tail Track. You might also hear it called Shirtail Track or Shirtfront Track.
Trail Description
| Difficulty | Distance | Trail Type | Elevation Gain | Time | Family Friendly |
| Hard | 2.2 km | out-and-back | 175 m | 1 hr 15 min | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Distance | 2.2 kilometers |
| Trail Type | out-and-back |
| Elevation Gain | 175 meters |
| Time | 1 hr 15 min |
| Family Friendly | ★★☆☆☆ |
This track is very family friendly up to the first waterfall. Beyond that point, I don’t recommend proceeding forward with any young children in tow.
This walk begins at the same trailhead as the Te Kere Haka Reserve Walkway and is right next to the famous Kingston Flyer Steam Train. At the Northwestern end of the gravel parking lot, you’ll see a metal gate and a sign showing the different walks. Walk around the fence and go to your right, to the left is a different walk!
Car park for the Shirt Tail and Te Kere Haka Reserve Walkway.
This sign and fence mark the start of the trails. Go right for the Shirt Tail Lookout.
After rounding the corner at the gate, the trail splits into two directions almost immediately. Go left up the hill where the official DOC “Shirtail Track” sign is. Even though the estimated walk time is 2 hours, most people finish in less than an hour and a half.
Follow the DOC sign on the left to go up to the Shirt Tail Lookout.
You’ll climb the mountain at a pretty steady incline that’ll really get your lower body burning! The path mostly consists of dirt and a few loose rocks, so good ankle support would be super beneficial here. The ground wasn’t super loose underfoot but there are plenty opportunities to slip up or roll your ankles. It’s a slow and steady slog with little to no shade up to the first viewpoint, which you’ll reach in about 20 minutes.
Sneak peek of Lake Wakatipu as you begin to climb.
The higher up you climb, the more tree cover and shade you’ll start to get. Glimpses of Lake Wakatipu and the Kingston township will start to become visible through the trees. Just before the trail starts to get difficult, you’re rewarded with a clear viewpoint and a bench to sit on too! I highly recommend hikers of all experience levels and ages to walk the trail to this point, but only those prepared for a seriously steep and dangerous scramble should move forward.
I did this hike solo while back carrying my 1.5 year old and I personally would not go to the upper viewpoint again, nor would I recommend other baby wearers to do it either! It’s highly unstable and not safe for very young children. If you feel prepared for the challenge ahead, carry on following the walkway into the bush. Several signs will caution you about how the upcoming track is very dangerous and slippery after rain.
Immediately after passing these signs, the walkway becomes much more narrow, steep and rocky. I found myself constantly reaching for tree branches and vines nearby to stabilize myself. There’s a little wee waterfall known as Shirt Tail Stream that you must cross, but there are some rocks strategically placed so you don’t have to get your feet wet. After passing the waterfall, it’s important to keep an eye out for the orange triangle markers to guide you up the mountain.
There’s no straight forward way to the top, so you’ll need to find your own path up amongst the trees and fallen leaves. Tree branches and roots are your friend here, as they are great to help stabilize you and pull yourself up in tricky areas. One wrong step in this section could easily result in a long tumble down the hill and broken limbs. As you near the top, you’ll spot a wooden sign with two orange markers. To your left is the viewpoint and to your right is the bushline. Go left towards the break in the trees and step out into the open!
On a sunny day you can see right into the crystal clear water of Lake Wakatipu, which becomes a beautiful greenish teal color when the sunlight hits it right. From the mountain range to the lake to the wee town of Kingston, this lookout has it all! You might even be lucky enough to spot some brave rock climbers directly below you. There’s a small dirt area about 2 meters wide surrounded by a metal railing for safe viewing.
Posing for a pic from the Shirt Tail Track Lookout!
There’s a newly extended section to this trail which isn’t mentioned on the DOC site or on any signs at the trailhead. Back at the wooden sign pointing towards the bushline, you can head right to carry on up the mountain for more panoramic views and another small waterfall. We had already pushed our limits so we did not do it but Jub at Chur New Zealand wrote a super detailed article about the Shirt Tail Track Bush Line Addition. Return the way you came back down the mountain, and reward yourself with a cool dip in the lake water below while the kids have a play at the playground! You earned it.
He sure did enjoy pointing at all the boats and cars he could see from up above.
Know Before You Go:
Sections of this track are extremely steep and slippery, and are only recommended for experienced trampers.
There is cell service on the entire walk and at the trailhead.
Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
How to Get to Kingston
From Queenstown (45min)
Take State Highway 6A towards Frankton. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit towards State Highway 6. Kingston will be on your right in 40 kilometers. Follow Kent St to the end where it crosses a rail road track and veers to the right to reach the trailhead.
From Te Anau (1hr 30min)
Head South on State Hwy 94 for 60km’s before turning left onto State Hwy 97. In another 20km’s you’ll turn left again on to Highway 6 towards Queenstown. Kingston will be on your left in 46 km’s, turn left onto Kent St and follow it to the end to reach the Shirt Tail Track Trailhead.
Other Things To Do in Kingston
An overview of the walks in the Te Kere Haka Scenic Reserve and Glen Allen Scenic Reserve.
Te Kere Haka Reserve is the starting point for the Shirttail Track, the Te Kere Haka Track and the Around the Mountains Cycle Track. These walking trails offer views of Lake Wakatipu, a few small waterfalls and take you through native bush. The Shirt Tail Track is also a popular spot for rock climbers!
Te Kere Haka Track:
3.7km | 100m | 1hrAround the Mountains Cycle Track:
7.9km | 185m | 2hrKingston Flyer Steam Train: 1.5hr return ride on a vintage steam train, taking you along the Kingston Foreshore and to the Fairlight Train Station. Kids under 4 ride free!
Kingston Lake Camp Site: Free camping area right in front of Lake Wakatipu. Only self contained vehicles allowed.
Disclaimer: Please adventure at your own risk. The author of this article is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur. It is up to the individual to determine their own capabilities and limits, and to thoroughly research before venturing into the great outdoors. Read our full Disclaimer.
