About the campsite:

The setting of this campsite is the real highlight. Pitches are spread across a spacious, natural area with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the landscape. Take a short stroll down to the lake, watch the light change across the mountains, or simply settle in for a peaceful evening surrounded by some of the South Island’s most impressive scenery.  And despite its tranquil, remote-feeling setting, Queenstown is only a short drive away. That makes 12 Mile Delta an excellent option for travellers who want easy access to Queenstown’s restaurants, activities and attractions, but would rather spend the night beside the lake than in a busy town-centre campground.

The campsite is deliberately simple, with basic DOC facilities and a back-to-nature camping experience. There are no resort-style facilities or holiday-park extras, so it’s best suited to self-sufficient travellers who are comfortable with a more rustic camping experience. In return, you get something that many commercial campgrounds struggle to offer: space, scenery and a genuinely spectacular location.

A Lord of the Rings filming location

Film fans have another reason to add 12 Mile Delta to their itinerary. The surrounding landscape was used as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, adding an extra layer of interest to an already memorable setting. The combination of rugged mountains, tussock-covered landscapes and Lake Wakatipu makes it easy to understand why this part of Central Otago and Fiordland was chosen for Middle-earth.

A great base for exploring Queenstown

12 Mile Delta works particularly well for travellers exploring the wider Queenstown and Glenorchy area. Queenstown is close enough for a day of activities, while the spectacular road towards Glenorchy begins nearby and is one of the region’s great scenic drives. There are also plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the surrounding landscape, from lakeside walks and short hikes to longer adventures in the mountains. For cyclists, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, the location provides an excellent base for experiencing the quieter side of the Queenstown area. Whether you’re stopping for a single night on a South Island road trip or staying a little longer to explore Queenstown and Glenorchy, 12 Mile Delta offers an exceptional combination of scenery, location and value.

Why stay at 12 Mile Delta?

• Spectacular lakeside setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Only around 15 minutes from Queenstown

• Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery A quieter alternative to staying in Queenstown

• Lord of the Rings filming location

• Spacious, natural campsite environment

• Convenient for exploring Queenstown

• Excellent option for self-sufficient campers looking for a more authentic DOC camping experience

Best for

Travellers who prioritise scenery and location over facilities, including campervanners, road-trippers, couples, outdoor enthusiasts and Lord of the Rings fans.