One Mile Creek Walk
Queenstown's closest beech forest: an old pipeline up to One Mile Dam, one of New Zealand's first hydroelectric schemes, and a small waterfall above it.
Published 15 September 2026 · Last checked 18 September 2026 · By Queenstown Pocket
Key facts
Closed. The council's weather event update of 28 August 2026 lists One Mile Lower among the trails closed after the 27 to 28 August storm, and says closures stay in place while assessments and remedial work are done. This walk is the lower end of the One Mile tracks, from the Fernhill roundabout to the dam and waterfall, so treat it as closed. The update was unchanged when re-read on 18 September 2026. Checked 18 September 2026 on Queenstown Lakes District Council, Latest update on Queenstown Lakes weather event (28 August 2026) (opens in a new tab).
- Time
- 1 to 1.5 hours return
- Distance
- 1.9 km return
- Track type
- Return the same way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Winter
- Care needed in winter
- Starts at
- Fernhill roundabout
- Bus
- Route 1 at YHA Lakefront, about 200 m from the start
- Dogs
- Dogs on a lead
- Cost
- Free
In short: One Mile Creek Walk is 1.9 km return and takes 1 to 1.5 hours from the Fernhill roundabout, following an old pipeline through beech forest to One Mile Dam and a small waterfall. DOC's brochure marks it with its advanced tramping track symbol and says to follow the orange markers. Dogs must be on a lead. The council closed the lower One Mile track after the August 2026 storm.
What the track is like
Beech forest close to town where DOC says several native bird species can be seen, the old pipeline and One Mile Dam (one of New Zealand's first hydroelectric power schemes), and a small waterfall at the turnaround.
The walk starts at the Fernhill roundabout and climbs into beech forest, following the line of an old pipeline up to One Mile Dam, one of the country's first hydroelectric power schemes. From the dam it climbs again to a small waterfall. DOC gives 1.9 km return and 1 to 1.5 hours.
The waterfall is the turnaround: retrace your steps to the roundabout. DOC notes the track is moderately challenging and that you need to follow the orange markers to stay on it. Its brochure shows the advanced tramping track symbol for this walk. DOC's key describes that grade as a mostly unformed track with markers for wayfinding that may be rough and steep with unbridged stream crossings, suited to people with moderate to high fitness and backcountry experience, and it requires tramping or hiking boots.
Beyond the waterfall the trail is shared with mountain bikers and continues up to the Midway Clearing on the Skyline access road, for access to the Ben Lomond Track. DOC lists this as one of four ways onto Ben Lomond but says navigation is required, and names the Tiki Trail from Brecon Street as the best access. Ben Lomond is an advanced tramping track that DOC says needs alpine equipment such as an ice axe and crampons in winter; this page covers the walk to the waterfall only.
How to get to the start
The walk starts at the Fernhill roundabout. Orbus Route 1 stops at YHA Lakefront, about 200 m from the roundabout, and the fare is $2.50 with a Bee Card.
The council closed One Mile Lower after the 27 to 28 August 2026 storm, which flooded the roundabout and washed out a footpath and bridge there (Otago Daily Times). Watch the council's updates for a reopening before you go.
- Start: Fernhill roundabout (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- By bus: Orbus Route 1 stops at YHA Lakefront, about 200 m from the Fernhill roundabout where the walk starts. Routes and fares are in the bus guide.
Is it open, and what is it like in winter?
Closed on 18 September 2026. The council's weather event update of 28 August 2026 lists One Mile Lower among the trails closed after the 27 to 28 August storm, and says closures stay in place while assessments and remedial work are done. This walk is the lower end of the One Mile tracks, from the Fernhill roundabout to the dam and waterfall, so treat it as closed. The update was unchanged when re-read on 18 September 2026. Check Queenstown Lakes District Council, Latest update on Queenstown Lakes weather event (28 August 2026) (opens in a new tab) on the day; conditions change quickly.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | Closed in spring 2026: the council lists One Mile Lower among the trails shut by the late-August storm. Once it reopens, expect wet ground under the beech trees after rain. |
| Summer (December to February) | The beech forest shades the track, and DOC notes several native bird species live in it. |
| Autumn (March to May) | Shorter days and shade keep the track damp after rain. Allow the full 1.5 hours and follow the orange markers. |
| Winter (June to August) | Shaded sections of the gully can stay icy in winter. DOC's grade requires tramping or hiking boots, which matters on frozen roots and rock. |
What to know before you go
- Follow the orange markers: DOC says the track is moderately challenging and the markers keep you on it.
- Above the waterfall the trail is shared with mountain bikers, and DOC warns the downhill bike tracks on this hillside are ridden fast. Turn around at the waterfall unless you are heading for the Skyline access road.
- A steep, shaded route is slippery when wet or frozen; DOC's grade requires tramping or hiking boots.
- The council has listed One Mile Lower as closed since the late August 2026 storm, and its update still listed it as closed on 18 September 2026. Do not go past closure signs.
- Dogs must be on a lead (DOC brochure symbol).
For emergencies call 111. The Queenstown safety guide covers the rest before a long or winter walk.
Questions people ask
How long is the One Mile Creek walk?
1.9 km return, taking 1 to 1.5 hours from the Fernhill roundabout to the small waterfall and back, according to DOC.
Where does the One Mile Creek walk start?
At the Fernhill roundabout. Orbus Route 1 stops at YHA Lakefront, about 200 m away, for $2.50 with a Bee Card.
How hard is the One Mile Creek walk?
It is short but carries a rough grade. DOC's brochure shows its advanced tramping track symbol for it, says it is moderately challenging and says to follow the orange markers. That grade requires tramping or hiking boots and may include unbridged stream crossings.
Can I get to Ben Lomond from One Mile Creek?
Yes. Past the waterfall the trail is shared with mountain bikers and climbs to the Midway Clearing on the Skyline access road for the Ben Lomond Track. DOC says navigation is required, that the Tiki Trail is the best access, and that Ben Lomond needs alpine equipment in winter.
Are dogs allowed on the One Mile Creek walk?
Yes, on a lead, according to DOC's brochure.
Is the One Mile Creek walk open after the August 2026 storm?
No. The council's 28 August 2026 update lists One Mile Lower among the trails closed by the storm, and the update still read the same on 18 September 2026.
What will I see on the One Mile Creek walk?
Beech forest close to town with native birds, the old pipeline and One Mile Dam, one of New Zealand's first hydroelectric power schemes, and a small waterfall.
Nearby walks
- Tiki Trail
2 km one way · 1 hour one way (up) · Easy to intermediate walking track
- Sunshine Bay track
4 km return · 40 minutes to 1 hour return · Easy to intermediate walking track
- Ben Lomond
14 km return to the summit via the Tiki Trail; 10 km return to the saddle (DOC's brochure gives 13 to 15 km and 11 km) · 6 to 8 hours return to the summit from Queenstown; 5 hours return to the saddle; 3 to 4 hours return to the saddle from the top of the gondola · Advanced
- Queenstown Gardens loop
2 km loop · 40 minutes · Easy short walk
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Sources: DOC, Queenstown day walks and bike trails brochure (March 2025), track 10 and map (opens in a new tab), DOC, Ben Lomond Track (access points and hazards) (opens in a new tab), DOC live alerts feed for the Ben Lomond Track (no alerts returned) (opens in a new tab), Otago Daily Times, Queenstown resident says floodwater was gushing through property 'like a river' (28 August 2026, council road update) (opens in a new tab) and Queenstown Lakes District Council, Latest update on Queenstown Lakes weather event (28 August 2026, trail closures and cautions) (opens in a new tab), retrieved 18 September 2026. Distances, times and grades are the managing body's published figures; fit walkers are often quicker. Department of Conservation information is used under CC BY 4.0. Start coordinates: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). This independent guide is published by Tally Sphere Limited, a New Zealand company. Spotted a change? Report a problem with this page and the page address comes with your email.
All walks: Queenstown walks and tracks.