Just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant town of Queenstown is Bob’s Cove, a hidden gem nestled in the South Island of New Zealand. In this post, we’ll tell you a bit about the history of this stunning spot, the best time to visit, how to get there, and couple of other places nearby that are worth seeing.
Also, if you are planning on spending a couple of days in the South, I have a few blogs, Part One and Part Two which explore Autumn, along with some suggestions of winter destinations where you can discover more South Island gems.
LOCATION
Found in the South Island of New Zealand, Bob’s Cove is paradise. Located a short distance from Queenstown, this is a great location for either a quick visit or if visiting during summer a day long stay might suit you. Surrounded by mountains and crazy blue waters, Bob’s Cove is a perfect mini getaway from the hustle and bustle of town.
The loop around the Cove will take you roughly half an hour. It’s quite easy but towards the middle you can expect a little more uphill as you will want to see that amazing birds eye view.
HOW TO GET THERE
The journey to Bob’s Cove is a short one from Queenstown, just a 14km drive or roughly 15 minutes. It’s also a scenic one, winding through the valley along the stunning Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
THE HISTORY
This cove, referred to as Te Puna-tapu in Māori (‘sacred pool’ in English), has a rich history that dates back centuries.
Its name stems from Bob Fortune who, was at the time commander of a boat owned by William Rees, the esteemed ‘founder’ of Queenstown. Apparently to evade storms, Fortune would spend time in Bob’s Cove to seek refuge.
This area was also popular for miners as the hills were made out of limestone. I won’t give too much away here but as you wander along the Bob’s Cove Track, keep an eye out for interpretive panels that provide further insights into the area’s history.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
One of the remarkable aspects of Bob’s Cove is its year round appeal. Every season offers its own unique charm so no matter when you visit, you’ll love it. Winter showcases snow-capped mountains straight from a postcard, as you can see pictured. Summer invites you to dip your toes in the refreshing lake and soak up the sun. And finally, Spring and Autumn is where the everything changes colour and the landscape comes alive. So, no matter when you visit, it will be well worth it.
In terms of what time is best to visit, we experienced this place in the morning, and although I highly recommend, I would love to see it at sunrise or sunset as I think getting that golden glow would be incredible.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY
If you are wanting to make a day out of it and visit more than one spot, I would suggest driving a further 10 minutes towards Glenorchy where you will find Bennetts Bluff Lookout. It’s a picturesque lookout on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and offers stunning surroundings of Queenstown peaks. The lookout carpark has plenty of spaces and from here is roughly a 5 minute walk to the top.
After you’ve visited Bennetts Bluff Lookout continue along the same road to Glenorchy, which is a quaint little town located on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu and similarly to Bob’s Cove, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine forests.
For those who prefer not to drive, guided tours and public transport options are also available to ensure you don’t miss out. If looking for a guided tour, I can suggest this one from GetYourGuide.
Glenorchy is a great destination for photographers and the town also serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful hikes in the area, including the Routeburn Track and the Greenstone Track.
Also, if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll be delighted to know that Glenorchy served as a filming location and if you are a big fan and wanting to see some of the locations from the iconic trilogy I would highly recommend this tour here.
Bob’s Cove is a hidden gem that I think everyone should get to experience when visiting Queenstown. Whether you choose to immerse yourself even more in the South Island scenery by exploring other destinations nearby like Bennetts Bluff Lookout or Glenorchy, you’re in for a treat.