Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of the world, and for good reason. It is packed with some of the most exhilarating and adrenaline pumping activities around. There are also has fantastic hikes in Queenstown which make it an outdoor adventure wonderland. From the Nevis Bungy, to the Shotover Jet Boat, Queenstown has something for every thrillseeker.
But it's not only to adrenaline activities, but also some of the most incredible hiking anywhere in the Southern hemisphere. And if a sunrise hike up snow capped mountains sounds like your idea of a dream morning, then you've come to the right place.
We've rounded up the five best day hikes to do in Queenstown - from a leisurely 2 hour stroll, all the way up to a goliath 7 hour day trek.
1. Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
One of the most iconic walks in Queenstown is absolutely the famous Queenstown Hill Time Walk, a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui. We recommend 2-3 hours to complete this short walk, but be sure to take some snacks (or a full blown picnic basket) with you to enjoy the views.
When you have completed the time walk and reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding land and some of Queenstown's main landmarks.
Getting there: The starting point for the Queenstown Hill Time Walk is at a small car park off Belfast Terrace, not far from the city centre.
Need to know: The track is managed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and parts of the track traverse private land.
Duration: 2-3 hours
2. Tiki Trail Walk
Credit: Destinationless Travel
Another centrally located day hike, the Tiki Trail takes you from the town center up to Bob’s Peak. The Tiki Trail is also commonly known as the “Queenstown gondola walking track” as it zigzags up the same hill as the Gondola goes to Bob’s Peak.
You’ll climb through forests of fir & beech trees for about an hour to get to the top and will be greeted with some of the best views in Queenstown, overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.
Truthfully, the hike up isn't the most scenic in terms of views out into the valley. But once at the top, you will see Queenstown in all its majesty.
Getting there: Access the track from beside the gondola station at the end of Brecon St.
Need to know: Pack a warm jacket, as the shaded route can be quite cold.
Duration: 1-2 hours
3. Ben Lomond Trail
Credit: Destinationless Travel
Remember the goliath 7 hour trek we told you about? This is it. And boy is it a winner.
The Ben Lomond is a must do for everybody who comes to Queenstown. Although it is quite physically demanding, the reward is absolutely worth the struggle.
The start of the walk is a relatively gentle uphill ascent, but from the saddle to the summit the track becomes considerably steeper and more technical with loose rocks and slippery tussocks. However, once you get to the summit you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
Duration: 3-4 hours to Ben Lomond Saddle or 6-8 hours to Ben Lomond Summit.
Getting there: The Ben Lomond Track can be accessed via two routes, one access point is at the one mile carpark via Fernhill and the other at the bottom of the Tiki Trail.
Need to know: The trail is roughly 14km return, and can be challenging at times. Pack plenty of water with you, as well as a first aid kit and appropriate emergency shelter.
4. Lake Alta Hike
Credit: Exploring Kiwis
Up next is the Lake Alta hike, which is a favourite amongst Queenstown locals, but relatively unknown to tourists to the area.
If you’re looking for amazing alpine scenery, views to die for and a good sweat, all without having to go too far from Queenstown, then the Lake Alta hike is for you.
The trek starts at the base of The Remarkables ski fields, and you walk along the dirt ski area road to reach a rugged and somewhat steep track that takes you to Lake Alta. Lord of the Rings fans among you will note this is Dimrill Dale, where the fellowship exits the Mines of Moria after losing Gandalf.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Getting there: Drive 25 minutes from town centre towards Te Anau. Turn left onto the Remarkables ski hill road and drive all the way up until you get to the Ski Lodge.
Need to know: If you're feeling brave, you can take a dip in the icy lake at the top of the walk. Pack swimmers and a towel, and please only swim when the weather is warm enough for you to dry off safely.
5. Moke Lake Loop Track
Credit: Destination Queenstown
Last on our list of must-do walks in the Queenstown area is the picturesque Moke Lake Loop Track, a leisurely 3 hour walk around the perimeter of a beautiful lake.
The starting point is a small lake located around a 15 minutes drive from Queenstown towards Glenorchy. The loop track is incredibly popular as it starts and finishes in the same place, though you might want to continue onwards toward Arthurs Point on the Moonlight track, or toward Lake Dispute.
The whole loop only takes a couple hours to finish and rewards you with beautiful views of Ben Lomond. If there's no wind around, you might also get some awesome reflections on the water - perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours return
Need to know: The track starts 15 minutes from Queenstown on SH6 heading towards Glenorchy by car
Getting there: Moke Lake Campsite, 14 km from Queenstown
That rounds up our list of the best day hikes in Queenstown that you absolutely need to do when you visit the adventure capital of the world. Each one will provide stunning views of the area, as well as get that heart rate up.
Looking for more to do in Queenstown? Checkout the below.
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