What better place to explore the outdoors! Queenstown has multiple walking tracks, ranging from short, peaceful walks to full-day hikes. Here are just some of the top Queenstown walks to get your blood pumping!
1. Queenstown Hill
The track up Queenstown Hill is a popular choice for locals and visitors. Allow 2-3 hours from Belfast Street in town. Stroll through pine forest and pop out to sweeping iconic Queenstown sights. This is a great one for the whole family, with a gentle gradient and stunning views to from start to finish.
2. Kelvin Heights to Jacks Point
Stick to the lake shores with this walking track. Stroll for 4 hours from the suburb of Kelvin Heights to the picturesque Jacks Point Village, with tons of classic South Island scenery. The Remarkables to your left, the lake to your right and golden tussock trails ahead.
3. Ben Lomond
The Ben Lomond track is one for the more ambitious walkers, with some serious elevation gain and taking 6-8 hours to reach the summit. Check on the weather conditions and pack accordingly. This is a full day hike, with people often hitting the track in the dark to make it past the saddle and to the summit for a memorable sunrise experience.
4. Wye Creek
Follow this track up the west face of The Remarkables, through native bush and alongside a fantastic natural waterfall that feeds into Lake Wakatipu. Wye Creek is around a 4-hour return track, with a steady incline. A great walk that starts just 20 minutes out of Queenstown and rewards you with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu spanning the basin before you.
5. Sawpit Gully
This one is not right in Queenstown, although it’s not far away. Starting in Arrowtown near the Chinese Settlement, this walk takes you above the Arrow River and into the sometimes muddy bush. As you climb out of the Gully the scenery opens up to vast views of mountains and tussocks. Enjoy many types of terrain with this 2-3 hour walk, and treat yourself to a stroll through Arrowtown afterwards.
6. Moke Lake
The Moke Lake Loop Track is a popular walk, taking you around the ever calm and peaceful Moke Lake. This is just a 15-minute drive from town and the loop itself will take around 2 hours. With a rural feel and fantastic mountainous scenery, this is a great spot for picnics and watching the sunset. Why not pack some tasty snacks and chill out lakeside after your walk!
