Tourists and locals to benefit from new lookout at Queenstown’s Bennetts Bluff

July 21, 2021

Queenstown Lakes District Council has advised that a new lookout which opened yesterday at Bennetts Bluff will make it safer for locals and visitors to enjoy the impressive views of Lake Whakatipu.

The famous Bennetts Bluff stretches up Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy’s Dart and Rees rivers, as spectacular mountains tower above the South Island landscape.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) worked closely with Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) to complete the project.

Council invested $1.6million to develop a new carpark, toilet block and picnic area and planting, while DOC has funded the walking track and viewing area.

For many years, drivers have been pulling over on the side of the road at Bennetts Bluff to take in the view on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.

QLDC’s General Manager Property and Infrastructure Pete Hansby said the new location was much safer noting “at the old unofficial spot drivers pulled over on a blind corner with a rock fall hazard. We know the local community has been worried about this section of road and the potential for accidents. This new spot is better sign-posted, has multiple carparks for coaches, campers and cars, and is a designated safe place to pull over.”

As part of the design, Council is reintroducing 4,000 native plants to the area and is also working with the Glenorchy Community Association to develop an information board about the history of the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.

Kāi Tahu kaumātua bestowed a site blessing last year and will continue to support with the development of cultural and historical signage at the lookout over time.

A barrier has been installed on the unsafe section of road to ensure it is no longer possible to pull over. In Spring, grass seeding will be laid in the picnic area.

8th July 2021 - Funding approved for range of Queenstown events

4th July 2021 - Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens Development Plan underway

22nd March 2021 - Feedback invited on Queenstown Parks and Open Spaces Strategy

9th March 2021 - Destination Queenstown makes new Chief Executive appointment

26th October 2020 - Tourism Workforce Alliance fast-tracks delivery of bike trails and reserve upgrades in Queenstown

30th April 2020 - Queenstown-based tourism operators collaborate to survive COVID-19

15th January 2020 - Queenstown tourism operator targets premium visitor market

11th December 2019 - Queenstown Trail network launches luxury accommodation and spa

25th November 2019 - Queenstown tourism operator celebrates 30th Anniversary

16th September 2019 - Queenstown Lakes Council looks to invest $134 million in trail network

26th October 2020 - Blue Mountains Echo Point lookout and amphitheatre completed

9th June 2020 - New accessible lookout opens at Wollomombi Falls

15th May 2020 - Upgraded lookout enhances views over Cairns

1st September 2017 - South Australia’s Black Cliff Lookout now accessible for people with wheelchairs and prams

21st April 2017 - Onkaparinga River National Park upgrades include lookout and urban campground

29th June 2016 - Daring cantilevered lookout opens on Western Australia’s Southern Ocean coast

27th November 2011 - New lookout for Tasmanian Tourism icon

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