Ahh Queenstown! An adventure seekers’ playground, a wine lovers’ haven, a nature enthusiast’s paradise… what’s not to love about this beautiful little town.
Discover beautiful trails and walks, relax and unwind in one of our stunning beaches and bays, go on a scenic drive or explore our neighbouring towns to add a little extra to your Queenstown experience.
Get Walking
Lake Wakatipu
Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is surrounded by stunning mountains that will take your breath away. Go for a stroll around the lake or still back and enjoy the view.
Walk up Queenstown Hill
One of Queenstown’s most popular trails is Queenstown Hill. Walk through forest and grasslands and enjoy spectacular views of the city along the way. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Cycle Queenstown Trail
If you are looking for a relaxing cycle ride, Queenstown Trail is the place to be. Starting from Queenstown to Frankton, enjoy a nice relax trail along Lake Wakatipu. If you feel like cycling a little further, you can always carry on following the lake all the way to Kelvin Heights where you can look back towards Queenstown from across the lake.
Hike up Ben Lomond
Looking for a challenge? Well, the iconic Ben Lomond track is perfect for you. Taking 6 - 8 hours (return) to do the Summit, experience magnificent 360* views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Our tip: Make your way before dawn and witness an incredible sunrise!
Do the Moonlight Track
An absolute must whilst in Queenstown. The Moonlight Track has it all. Walk through forest up the Tiki Trail then enjoy stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables as you walk to the Ben Lomond Saddle. From there, it is a steady, relatively flat trail. Taking you through farmland, Sefferstown and the remains of the old Moke Lake Creek stone school. Finishing with breath-taking views of Shotover River as you arrive at Arthur’s Point.
Our tip: Make sure you have transport sorted at which ever end you end your hike, otherwise get prepared to hitchhike or hop on public transport to take you back to where you started.
Relax and Unwind
Beaches
Although Queenstown is famous for being a winter destination, you can relax and unwind in one of Queenstown’s beaches in the warmer months. From the buzzing beach in the CBD, to an intimate Sunshine Bay spot, to a secluded Bob’s Cove bay, there is something for everyone.
Scenic Drives
Drive up The Remarkables
Whether it is summer or winter, driving up The Remarkables should be on your list of things to do. Take in the spectacular city views as you drive to the top, they are out of this world. During the summer, explore Lake Alta and the Remarkables lookout; during the winter months… well, you know what you are be here for! Put on your skis or jump on your snowboard and enjoy the mountain.
Drive up Coronet Peak
Another spectacular mountain to enjoy in the summer or winter. Only a 20 minutes scenic drive from Queenstown town centre, it is the closest ski field for you to enjoy during winter, and a popular mountain biking sport during the summer. The fabulous views are a bonus!
Glenorchy drive
This world-famous scenic drive is an absolute must do whilst in Queenstown. 46 kilometres of pure beauty features several Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations, and spectacular views. It truly is a gateway to paradise. It’s a drive you will never forget!
Explore your surroundings
Visit the Markets on Saturdays
Wondering what to do on a Saturday morning? Explore Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market all year round or enjoy Remarkables Market from October until April every year. Find the perfect gift for your loved one or treat yourself to a freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy live music and awesome mountain views.
Explore the Queenstown Gardens
An oasis in the centre of Queenstown, stroll through the gardens and admire the beautiful rose garden, the friendly ducks around the pond, the different trees and plants, but most of all… enjoy the free 18-hole Frisbee Golf Course perfect for an afternoon activity with you friends.
Explore beautiful historic Arrowtown
Arrowtown is charming and quirky are the words that come to mind when thinking of this beautiful, historic gold mining town. A 25 minutes’ drive from Queenstown CBD, a lovely precinct, filled with shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants and surrounded by awesome nature trails. It’s a must see.
Visit the Old Cromwell Town
Travel back in time and visit another gold mining town, only this time…in Cromwell. The Old Cromwell Town is a short drive from Queenstown and wait for it… it has original buildings from the 1860s. During the warmer months, enjoy the summer Central Otago’s Farmer Market from 9am to 1pm.
Go wine tasting at Gibbston Valley
Calling all wine lovers! What’s Central Otago famous for? That’s right… some of the best wine in New Zealand. A short drive from Queenstown, you will find Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt. Rosa Wines, Brennan Wines and Peregrine Wines, all giving you a unique experience.
Discover Wanaka
Just like Queenstown, Wanaka is picture-perfect! Summer or winter, Wanaka is a must! To get to this gorgeous town you’ll have to drive 45 minutes over the Crown Range. This in itself is an unforgettable experience. The views are incredible.
Explore the many bars, restaurants and cafes along the lake front, relax by the lake, or if you feel like going on an adventure, there are plenty of nature trails for you to discover. What ever you decide, you’ll find what you’re looking for.