Queenstown has so much to do and discover, you could easily spend all your time here, but if you are looking for day trips in the surrounding areas, here are a few great options.
• Wanaka – 1 Hour from Queenstown, 66km
Wanaka is nestled on the shores of the pristine Lake Wanaka in the South Island’s high country visitors are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding natural beauty. A short distance away is the glacial Mount Aspiring National Park – part of the World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu. This historic alpine world is a must see and a true marvel of nature. Looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience of a lifetime – choose your pick from a range of exciting options like skydiving, jetboating, skiing and more. Looking for family friendly activities – choose the options including The Puzzling World, scenic tours, boat rides, cycling tours. Looking for a romantic experience – choose from the range of options ranging from wine-tasting to scenic flights.
• Central Otago, 50 minutes from Queenstown, 58km
Central Otago offers breathtakingly, vast undulating landscapes, rugged snow-capped mountains, clear blue rivers, and deep gorges. There is plenty to discover from friendly local hospitality; a growing arts culture and well-preserved gold heritage. Enjoy some of the country's best fresh, seasonal food - with an outing to one of many Central Otago wineries, sensational restaurants and cafes, or taste seasonal fruits from local orchards. Leaving Queenstown, you’ll pass through Gibbston valley, before reaching the towns of Bannockburn, Cromwell, and a little further out, Ranfurly, Alexandra, Clyde and Roxburgh.
• Glenorchy – 50 minutes from Queenstown, 58km
Glenorchy is a small settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand. From Glenorchy you can travel on to the Rees Valley, Paradise and the Dart Valley, Kinloch township, Routeburn Valley and Greenstone/Caples Valleys which boarder both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes have become a prime location for film scouts, depicting many scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as featuring in the Narnia movies.
• Arrowtown – 25 minutes from Queenstown, 20km
Arrowtown is an historic gold mining town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River with its beautiful buildings and famed nature trails. Arrowtown is charming and quirky, the heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. The buildings in this lovely precinct, house shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants – many classy, most individual, not one from an international chain. It is a wonderful place to browse and relax, enjoying the dining, the shopping, and soaking up Arrowtown’s lively heritage. In April and May the tree-lined streets come alive in a burst of autumn colours.