Twelve Mile Delta
A scenic DOC campground on Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views, LOTR filming sites, and easy access to Queenstown.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Twelve Mile Delta
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic DOC campground on Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views, LOTR filming sites, and easy access to Queenstown.
"Breathtaking views in every direction and it even has a bit of middle earth right on site!"
🎯 Pay on Arrival or Morning
Cash only for on-arrival payment, but you can pay by card with the ranger the next morning. :moneybag:
🐶 Meet Mila the Dog!
The new management is great, and their dog Mila is a friendly bonus! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Wakatipu Views
Scenic viewpoints around the campground
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
LOTR Filming Location
Short walk from campsite parking
Visit the Ithilien filming location from The Lord of the Rings. A must-see for fans, offering a touch of Middle-earth magic.
DOC Campground Experience
Twelve Mile Delta DOC Campground
Enjoy well-maintained facilities, friendly management, and a prime lakeside location. A great base for exploring Queenstown.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pay on Arrival or Morning
Cash only for on-arrival payment, but you can pay by card with the ranger the next morning. :moneybag:
🐶 Meet Mila the Dog!
The new management is great, and their dog Mila is a friendly bonus! :dog:
🚶♀️ LOTR Walk is a Must
Take the short walk to Bob's Cove Track for the iconic LOTR filming scene. :movie_camera:
🚗 Easy Access to Queenstown
Just a short 10-minute drive into Queenstown for convenience. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pay on Arrival or Morning
Cash only for on-arrival payment, but you can pay by card with the ranger the next morning. :moneybag:
🐶 Meet Mila the Dog!
The new management is great, and their dog Mila is a friendly bonus! :dog:
🚶♀️ LOTR Walk is a Must
Take the short walk to Bob's Cove Track for the iconic LOTR filming scene. :movie_camera:
🚗 Easy Access to Queenstown
Just a short 10-minute drive into Queenstown for convenience. :car:
📸 Breathtaking Views Everywhere
The scenery is incredible in every direction. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Twelve Mile Delta for its absolutely stunning location right on Lake Wakatipu, offering breathtaking views and easy access to the water. The friendly management and well-maintained DOC campground facilities are frequently highlighted, along with the unique draw of a Lord of the Rings filming site. While the lake is beautiful, be prepared for very cold water, which can limit swimming enjoyment for some.
"We arrived too late to pay and could just pay the next morning, the person charging us was very nice about it. Easy access to the lake which we took a fast dip, but as it was raining and the beginning of September it was more like ice bathing than an enjoyable swim. Which is what we intended to do :))"
Clara K
"right by the road, easily accessible. the views are breathtaking in every direction and it even has a bit of middle earth right on site :) payment is super easy and the owner (and his dog) are very friendly. lots and lots of cool lots to choose from and plenty of toilets, benches and tables."
Gavin B
"First camp night near Queenstown on our trip. Weather was perfect so the views were amazing. Lots of excellent sites to choose from. Lovely drive with amazing views of the water and mountains. Loved it!"
Nik Moisley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Twelve Mile Delta is located about 10km west of Queenstown. It's easily accessible by car, with a drive time of approximately 10-15 minutes. The campground is right by the road, making it very convenient to find.
Yes, Twelve Mile Delta is a popular DOC campground and is accessible for campervans and other vehicles. Many travelers choose it for freedom camping.
The drive is generally straightforward and scenic, following the road along Lake Wakatipu. Be mindful of other traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
While possible, cycling to Twelve Mile Delta from Queenstown involves road travel and may not be ideal for all cyclists due to traffic. It's more commonly accessed by vehicle.
Public transport options directly to Twelve Mile Delta are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle or rental car for flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Twelve Mile Delta is a DOC campground, and there is a fee for overnight stays. Payment can be made on arrival (cash only) or by card with the ranger the following morning. +1
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as it's a popular spot and sites can fill up quickly.
Payment can be made on arrival if the ranger is present, or you can pay the following morning by card with the ranger. Arriving late is not an issue for payment.
Yes, Twelve Mile Delta is a Department of Conservation (DOC) campground, known for its beautiful natural settings and well-maintained facilities.
Payment on arrival is cash only. However, you can pay with a card if you arrange it with the ranger the following morning.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying the stunning lake views, swimming (though it can be cold!), boating, walking, and biking the trails. It's also a filming location for Lord of the Rings.
Yes, the campground is well-equipped with toilets, benches, and tables, making it a comfortable place to stay.
You can swim in Lake Wakatipu from Twelve Mile Delta, but be prepared for very cold water, especially outside of peak summer.
The Ithilien filming location from The Lord of the Rings can be accessed via a short walk on the Bob's Cove Track from the campsite parking lot. 
Yes, it's a great spot for families with its beautiful scenery, easy access to the lake, and proximity to Queenstown. The LOTR connection can also be a hit with kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers incredible photo opportunities. Focus on the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the mountains, and the lakeside. The LOTR filming site also makes for unique shots.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the lake and mountains. Midday can be harsh but still offers stunning vistas.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with DOC or local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone photography in the area.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
The scenic point overlooking Lake Wakatipu is a prime spot. Also, explore the trails for different perspectives of the lake and surrounding nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short drive to Queenstown also means easy access to family-friendly attractions and amenities. 🚗 Road Trippers & Campervan Travelers
💍 Couples & Nature Lovers
+1 Enjoy leisurely walks along the lake, soak in the serene atmosphere, and perhaps even explore the nearby LOTR filming site for a touch of shared adventure. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lord of the Rings Connection
+1This connection makes Twelve Mile Delta a unique destination, blending natural landscapes with iconic movie history. It's a chance to step into a fantasy world while surrounded by the real-world splendor of New Zealand. The accessibility of this filming site from the campground makes it an easy and rewarding addition to any visit.
Camping at Twelve Mile Delta
The campground's location is a major draw, being just a short drive from Queenstown, offering the best of both worlds: serene natural beauty and easy access to city amenities. It's also a prime spot for those looking for freedom camping opportunities, with easy access to the lake for a quick dip, though be warned, the water is famously cold!
Exploring Lake Wakatipu
+1 Whether you're looking for a place to swim, boat, or simply admire the scenery, the lake provides a magnificent backdrop. The water, while beautiful, is known for being quite cold, even in warmer months, so a quick dip is often more of an invigorating experience than a leisurely swim. The drive along Lake Wakatipu to reach Twelve Mile Delta is itself an experience, with amazing views of the water and mountains unfolding at every turn.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit