Tobin's Track Summit Viewpoint
Named after the man who built and maintained the road here in the 1870s, Tobin's Track is Arrowtown's most rewarding short hike — a steady climb through residential fringes and open tussock that deposits you at a viewpoint overlooking the entire Wakatipu Basin and the Crown Range. The effort-to-payoff ratio is exceptional.
The Climb
The trail is wide and well-graded, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and the views at the top are well worth the climb. From the summit you can look out over the Wakatipu Basin and the Crown Range — a sweeping panorama that puts Arrowtown's tiny, jewel-box scale into magnificent mountain context.
The track starts from the upper end of town and gains altitude steadily without ever becoming brutal. Allow 45–60 minutes up and 30–40 minutes back. The path is clear and well-signposted; trail runners use it as a warm-up, families use it as a morning adventure.
Going Further: Mt Beetham Summit
For those who want more, the summit of Mt Beetham (929m) is accessible by continuing past the top of Tobin's Track along a poled route up the cone-shaped peak. The extra 250 metres of elevation makes a big difference to the panorama — the views at the top are even more impressive than the Tobin's viewpoint below.
You can make the full walk into a satisfying loop by descending via the steep Tobin's Drop track and returning to town along the Millennium Walkway. Total loop time is approximately 3–4 hours for a fit walker.
Tobin's Track Summit Viewpoint on video
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