Best Hiking in Queenstown: 19 Epic Trails & Day Walks

The best hiking in Queenstown ranges from the half-day Queenstown Hill to the full-day Ben Lomond summit, giving every kind of walker a panoramic payoff.

Cradled by glacier-fed Wakatipu, ringed by the Remarkables and laced with DOC tracks, the region serves up everything from beech-forest rambles to high-alpine ridges. Gold-rush relics and wild waterfalls turn each walk into more than a leg-stretch. Better yet, most trailheads are within an hour of town, so you can summit a peak and still make dinner on the lakefront.

Before lacing your boots, note the essentials: summer daylight lingers but winter brings a snow line that can drop below 1,000 m; gondolas, shuttles, water taxis or self-drive reach most trailheads; pack layers, check DOC alerts and take a PLB for remote routes.

Short on time? Queenstown Hill is the pick; chasing altitude glory, choose Ben Lomond; craving multi-day grandeur in a bite-sized portion, sample the Routeburn or Rees–Dart day sections. The guide below numbers 19 trails from iconic to under-the-radar, with identical sub-headings so you can compare difficulty, distance and highlights at a glance.

1. Ben Lomond Track – Queenstown’s Signature Summit Challenge

Ask any local to name the walk that sums up Queenstown and they’ll point you sky-ward to Ben Lomond. The peak watches over town like a sentry and rewards anyone who tops out with a grandstand sweep of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and, on a bluebird day, even Mt Aspiring glinting 100 km away. It’s steep, rocky and undeniably tough, yet still achievable in a single (long) day, which is why it regularly tops lists of the best hiking Queenstown has to offer.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 11–14 km return
  • Tiki Trail start: 14 km
  • Skyline Gondola top station start: 11 km
• Elevation gain: ~1,400 m from lake level / ~1,000 m from gondola
• Highest point: 1,748 m
• Time: 5–8 hrs return
• Grade: Hard – sustained climbing, loose scree near summit
• Navigation: Well-formed DOC track; carry an offline topo such as NZTopo50 or Maps.me
• Seasonal cautions: Snow & ice Nov–Sept; avalanche risk on upper faces mid-winter (check regional forecast)

Track Description & Highlights

From the One Mile Creek car park or the base of the Skyline Gondola, a shaded climb through Douglas-fir and mountain beech warms the calves before the track breaks into golden tussock. The views switch on instantly: Cecil and Walter Peaks mirrored in Wakatipu and the jagged Remarkables running south.

At 1,326 m you crest Ben Lomond Saddle where the full pyramid of the summit fills the skyline. From here the route narrows and steepens, zig-zagging over loose schist. Kea often ride the thermals and may swoop in for a cheeky zipper-pull. The final push tops out on a bald dome with true 360° vistas – sunrise paints the lake pastel pink; late-day light turns the Remarkables copper.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailheads:
  • One Mile Creek (free parking, toilets)
  • Skyline Gondola (pay to ride, saves ~400 m vertical)
• Facilities: Toilets, café and water only at the upper gondola station – none beyond the treeline.
• Start early (before 9 am) to beat both heat and crowds; carry at least 2 L of water – no reliable sources en-route.
• Layers are essential: temperatures can drop below 0 °C at the summit, even in January.
• Mobile coverage fades beyond the saddle; a PLB is wise if hiking solo.
• Kea safety: stash shiny items inside your pack and never feed wildlife.
• For a softer descent, consider riding the gondola down – your knees will thank you after 1,400 m of downhill hammering.

Tough but unforgettable, Ben Lomond is the benchmark by which every other Queenstown hike is measured. Bag it on a clear day and you’ll understand why.

2. Queenstown Hill Time Walk – The Quick-Hit Panorama

If you’ve only a spare morning yet still want that “wow, this is Queenstown” moment, make a beeline for Queenstown Hill. The short, well-graded climb leaves practically from the CBD and punches above its weight in the view department, making it a staple on any best hiking Queenstown hit-list. Locals use it as an after-work fitness blast; visitors love the history panels and the iconic Basket of Dreams sculpture at the top.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 5 km return (lollipop loop option)
• Elevation gain: 500 m
• Summit height: 907 m
• Time: 2–3 hrs return
• Grade: Moderate – steady, sometimes slippery in winter
• Navigation: Orange DOC markers; download route on Maps.me for offline reference
• Dog policy: Allowed on leash

Track Description & Highlights

From Belfast Terrace the path threads through pine and regenerating beech, with interpretive boards detailing Māori legends, early pastoral life and the gold rush. After about 30 minutes the trees thin, revealing Queenstown’s postcard combo of Wakatipu, Cecil and Walter Peaks.

A short detour leads to the Basket of Dreams – a large steel nest that invites you to sit, contemplate and snap that mandatory selfie. Push on another ten minutes to the true summit cairn and the panorama widens to include the Remarkables, Coronet Peak and, further north, the hump of Ben Lomond. Sunrise gilds the lake; sunset lights the Remarkables on fire – pick your poison.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailhead: Belfast Terrace (15 min uphill walk from the lakefront). Parking is minimal; avoid peak tourist hours or start on foot from town.
• No toilets or water on track – fill bottles before leaving the CBD.
• In winter the upper section ices up; micro-spikes or sturdy boots help.
• Carry a windproof layer even on calm days – the summit is exposed.
• Family friendly but keep kids close near drop-offs above the pines.

Tick this one off early in your trip and you’ll have a handy bird’s-eye map of everywhere else you plan to explore.

3. Moke Lake Loop Track – Mirror-Calm Reflections

Tucked behind a low saddle west of town, Moke Lake feels a world apart from Queenstown’s buzz. The easy loop circumnavigates an alpine tarn famous for glass-smooth dawn reflections that double the surrounding peaks, making it a photog favourite and a mellow contrast to the steeper missions on this best hiking Queenstown roster.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 6.5 km circuit
• Elevation gain: 150 m
• Time: 2–2.5 hrs
• Grade: Easy – well-formed DOC path with short boardwalk sections
• Navigation: Straightforward; still wise to cache an NZTopo50 tile offline
• Night-sky status: Recognised dark-sky sanctuary – epic Milky Way shots
• Dogs: Allowed on leash inside the farm’s stock-proof fence

Track Description & Highlights

Starting near the DOC campsite, the track follows a shoreline boardwalk through marshy rush beds alive with paradise shelducks. Rounding the western bay, it climbs gently to a low spur where the whole lake suddenly fans out beneath you – sunrise here is pure magic, with the Remarkables and Ben Lomond mirrored in perfect symmetry.

The southern side threads between matagouri bushes and schist hills, passing a short jetty that’s ideal for a polariser-filtered snap straight down the reflection line. After rain you might hear the distant bleat of sheep as mist curls off the water, adding an other-worldly vibe. Come nightfall, zero light pollution turns the lake into a celestial mirror; pack a tripod if you’re camping.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access: 20 min drive via Moke Lake Rd – last 7 km gravel, narrow and corrugated; some rental contracts exclude it, so check first.
• Facilities: DOC campsite (self-registration, toilets, water tap), kayak launch, horse corrals.
• Bring insect repellent for voracious sandflies and a wind layer – gusts funnel down the valley.
• Limited cell reception; tell someone your plans.
• For the calmest reflections, arrive at dawn or on a still evening before the nor’wester picks up.
• Cyclists share the loop; keep left and enjoy the bells tinkling across the water.

4. Bob’s Cove & Picnic Point – Turquoise Water in 60 Minutes

Need a micro-adventure between breakfast and lunch? Bob’s Cove delivers a tropic-looking bay, gold-rush relics and a cracking lookout in less than an hour. It’s proof that some of the best hiking Queenstown offers doesn’t have to hurt the quads.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 2–4 km return (extension to Picnic Point adds 1 km)
• Elevation gain: 100 m
• Time: 45 min–1.5 hrs
• Grade: Easy – well-benched track, short steep pinch to the lookout
• Family friendly: Yes; stroller-friendly as far as the lime kiln
• Navigation: Obvious DOC path; still worth downloading the free Maps.me layer

Track Description & Highlights

From the roadside car park the path dives into shady red beech before spitting you out at a 19th-century lime kiln – kids love peering inside the stone chimney. A few more steps and Lake Wakatipu suddenly turns Caribbean: shallow, shingle-bottomed water glows aquamarine against dark pines. A skinny jetty invites fearless bomb-divers in summer.

Continue around the cove and climb a short, rooty spur to Picnic Point. The payoff is a bird’s-eye of emerald water lapping schist bluffs with the Remarkables framed behind – pack a polarising filter to nail the colour contrast. On calm days the reflections are postcard-perfect.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Drive: 15 min west of town on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road; watch for the tiny brown DOC sign.
• Parking: Small bay for ~20 cars – full by 10 am in peak season. Arrive early or mid-week.
• Facilities: Single DOC long-drop near the kiln; no drinking water.
• Track surface stays muddy after rain; wear trail shoes not jandals.
• Sandflies hover near the shoreline – repellent is your friend.
• The foreshore is a safe, shallow swim spot but the lake is cold year-round, so brace yourself!

5. Lake Alta Track – Alpine Jewel in The Remarkables

Perched high in the craggy bowl behind The Remarkables ski field, Lake Alta is proof you don’t need a marathon slog to taste true alpine terrain. A brisk 90-minute up-and-back walk swaps Queenstown cafés for moon-like scree, sapphire water and razor-back ridges that make you feel a world away. It’s a staple on any “best hiking Queenstown” itinerary when you crave altitude without an all-day commitment.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 3.6 km return
• Elevation gain: 350 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hrs return
• Grade: Moderate – rocky, uneven scree above 1 800 m
• Highest point: Lake Alta sits at 1 800 m; add 100 m for the optional ridge viewpoint
• Seasonality: Snow cover & ice Sept–Nov; lake freezes solid mid-winter (avalanche training zone)
• Navigation: Orange poles to lake edge; carry NZTopo50 or Maps.me offline

Track Description & Highlights

Start behind the ski base building, following service roads that quickly give way to alpine herbs and chunky schist. A short grunt up a ski run leads into a natural amphitheatre where the glacial lake appears, cobalt against grey rock. In summer, snow drifts linger and hardy souls brave a polar-plunge; in spring the melting ice sheets calve with dramatic cracks. Experienced trampers can scramble another 10 minutes to a knoll south-west of the lake for a front-row seat over Wakatipu and the Hector Mountains.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access: 40 min drive from Queenstown via the steep Remarkables access road (check chain requirements; toll fee applies in ski season).
• Facilities: Toilets and café at the base building; none on track.
• Essentials: Sunscreen and glacier-grade sunglasses – UV is fierce at altitude.
• Winter: The route crosses active avalanche paths; attempt only with proper gear and avalanche awareness.
• Ethics: Stay off fragile alpine moss beds and pack out every snack wrapper – at this height the wind carries litter straight into the lake.

A quick, punchy adventure that feels more Southern Alps than resort town, Lake Alta delivers huge scenery for minimal time investment.

6. Mount Crichton Loop – Gold-Rush History in Beech Forest

Just 15 minutes from downtown but a world away from the adrenaline buzz, the Mount Crichton Loop weaves through red-beech forest once riddled with gold-rush diggings. It’s an all-ages outing that bundles history, waterfalls and lake views into a relaxed half-day wander—ideal when you want a gentler dose of the best hiking Queenstown dishes up.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 6–7 km loop
• Elevation gain: 300 m
• Time: 2–3 hrs
• Grade: Easy–Moderate – short rocky pinch above Twelve Mile Creek
• Highest point: ~740 m
• Navigation: Well-marked DOC track; offline map still handy
• Dog policy: Allowed on leash
• Cell coverage: Patchy in gully

Track Description & Highlights

Heading clockwise, the path sidles Twelve Mile Creek past mossy schist walls before crossing a suspension bridge to Sam Summers Hut—a restored 1930s miners’ bivvy you can duck inside for lunch out of the weather. Beyond, a short side trail peers into a narrow waterfall gorge, then the main loop climbs gently to an open spur where Lake Dispute and snow-capped Cecil Peak steal the frame. In autumn the beech canopy turns butter-gold, lighting the forest floor.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

Park opposite the Lake Dispute car park, 15 minutes along the Glenorchy road; arrive before 10 am on weekends as roadside spaces vanish. The track stays damp after rain, so waterproof boots beat trainers. Bring insect repellent, a torch for poking around the hut, and consider adding the 15-minute spur to Lake Dispute for bonus alpine reflections.

7. Wye Creek Track – Waterfall & Cliff-Edge Vistas

Carved into the south-west face of the Remarkables, the Wye Creek Track packs a serious scenery punch for relatively little mileage. You’ll climb beside a hydro pipeline, scale a steel ladder and emerge onto a hanging basin guarded by a thundering waterfall. Add airy cliff-edge views over Lake Wakatipu and you’ve got one of the most varied half-day outings in the best hiking Queenstown repertoire.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 7 km return to the Upper Reservoir
• Elevation gain: 550 m
• Time: 3–4 hrs
• Grade: Moderate–Hard – steep roots, loose rock, one fixed ladder
• Highest point: ~1 120 m
• Navigation: Orange DOC triangles; carry an offline topo on NZTopo50 or Maps.me
• Water/Toilets: None – pack ≥2 L and be self-sufficient
• Seasonality: Track turns into a creek after heavy rain; ice possible June–Aug

Track Description & Highlights

From the tiny lay-by on SH6 a rough 4 WD spur (10 min walk) leads to the lower intake weir. The single-track then hugs a large green pipeline, weaving through mountain beech before a vertical steel ladder hoists you onto a schist bluff – vertigo sufferers, look straight ahead! Above, the roar of Wye Creek grows until the trail pops out beside the waterfall’s spray zone, a natural mist-fan on hot days.

Push on another 20 minutes to the Upper Reservoir: a glassy pool ringed by alpine tussock and popular rock-climbing crags. Step out onto the dam wall for a lofty panorama spanning Lake Wakatipu, Kelvin Heights and distant Cecil Peak. Lunch tastes better with your legs dangling 300 metres above the lake.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Parking: Limited roadside shoulder 15 km south of Queenstown; arrive early and angle-park tight.
• Footwear: Sturdy boots essential – the rooty lower section becomes a slip-n-slide when damp.
• Safety: No cell reception after the ladder; leave intentions and avoid the track during or immediately after heavy rain.
• Rock climbers frequent the crags – stay clear of falling gear zones.
• Pack a wind-breaker: the basin funnels nor’westers that can feel like a hair-dryer on steroids.
• Reward yourself post-hike with a swim at nearby Drift Bay if conditions allow.

Short, sharp and spectacular, Wye Creek proves you don’t need a full summit mission to feel on top of the world.

8. Sawpit Gully (Arrowtown) – Gorge Circuit with Autumn Colour

Arrowtown is photogenic at any time, but the Sawpit Gully loop turns into a riot of gold and scarlet each April when poplars and willows blaze alongside the Arrow River. The circuit mixes easy river flats, a scrambly gorge climb and a breezy ridgeline return, packing heritage tailings and widescreen Lake Hayes views into a half-day outing that earns its spot among the best hiking Queenstown day walks.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 7–8 km loop
• Elevation gain: 420 m
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs
• Grade: Moderate – loose stones in the gully, short steep pinches
• Highest point: ~720 m
• Navigation: Orange triangles; carry Maps.me or NZTopo50 offline
• Dog friendly: On leash
• Seasonal cautions: River rises quickly after heavy rain – check forecast

Track Description & Highlights

Begin at the restored Chinese Settlement, following the Arrow River upstream past rusting water-races and sluiced banks. A footbridge marks the turn into Sawpit Gully proper, where a rocky path zig-zags between schist walls dotted with matagouri and kōwhai. The climb tops out on a tussock saddle that suddenly frames Lake Hayes and the Remarkables like an IMAX screen.

From here the track meanders along Brow Peak’s foothills before dropping back to Arrowtown via a pine-scented spur overlooking the historic cemetery. In autumn the entire descent is carpeted in crunchy leaves—pack the camera.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailhead: Chinese Settlement car park, a one-minute stroll from Arrowtown’s main street cafés and toilets.
• Footwear: Grippy shoes; loose scree in the gorge can feel like walking on ball-bearings.
• Sandflies lurk near the river—repellent essential.
• Flooding: Two minor stream fords may be impassable after storms; delay if in doubt.
• Post-hike perks: Reward yourself with an ice-cream or craft beer on Buckingham Street—local tradition dictates you’ve earned it.

9. Routeburn Track Day Walk – Dip Your Toe in a Great Walk

Too pressed for time to commit to the full three-day Great Walk? Sampling the Routeburn as a day hike lets you savour Fiordland–Mount Aspiring grandeur without the logistics of hut bookings or car shuttles. A return tramp to Routeburn Flats or, fitness allowing, Routeburn Falls Hut gifts swing-bridge thrills, emerald rivers and hanging-valley views that rank with the very best hiking Queenstown day missions.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance:
  • Routeburn Flats return: 13 km
  • Routeburn Falls Hut return: 15 km
• Elevation gain: ≈400 m (Flats) / ≈650 m (Falls)
• Time: 4–5 hrs (Flats) or 5–6 hrs (Falls)
• Grade: Moderate – steady climb on wide benched track
• Highest point on day walk: ~1 000 m
• Navigation: Great Walk standard; still cache NZTopo50, DOC PDF or Maps.me offline
• Season window: Oct–Apr ideal; avalanches & rockfall risk May–Sept
• Toilets: Shelter car park, Flats & Falls huts (day use free)

Track Description & Highlights

From the Routeburn Shelter the benched path crosses the milky Route Burn on a series of swing bridges, each bounce delivering a fresh angle of glacier-fed pools below. Lush silver beech gives dappled shade while tomtits flit beside the track. After 90 minutes the forest opens into the postcard meadow of Routeburn Flats, ringed by waterfalls cascading off 1 500-metre ramparts—an idyllic lunch spot.

Push another 45 minutes and the gradient steepens beside the canyoning river, climbing wooden staircases to Routeburn Falls Hut. Here a wooden deck peers straight into the Humboldt Mountains; on sunny days shards of light dance through the spray. Fit trampers can tack on a 10-minute scramble above the hut for a sneak peek up towards Harris Saddle.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Getting there: 1 hr 15 min scenic drive north via Glenorchy. The last 25 km are sealed but narrow—watch for tour buses.
• Parking: Large DOC car park; secure valuables out of sight.
• Fees/bookings: Day walkers need no Great Walk pass—just sign the intentions book.
• Water: Safe to drink from trackside streams upstream of huts; still carry ≥1.5 L.
• Sandflies: Relentless at the Flats—repellent and long sleeves recommended.
• Weather: Valley funnels nor’west storms; if river levels spike, turn back—bridges can wash out.
• Transport hack: During summer a daily shuttle departs Queenstown CBD (advance booking essential) if you’d rather nap than drive after your hike.

A taste of Great Walk scenery in a single daylight window—once you’ve felt the Routeburn magic you’ll be plotting a full traverse before you hit Queenstown for dinner.

10. Moonlight Track – High-Country Traverse to Arthurs Point

Threading along the northern flank of Ben Lomond, the Moonlight Track feels remote yet begins right above downtown. It links Queenstown with Arthurs Point by skirting tussock terraces once sluiced for gold, delivering big-sky vistas into Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River. The exposure is real—no shelter, no water—but that frontier vibe is exactly why locals rate it among the sneaky gems of the best hiking Queenstown serves up.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 12 km one-way
• Elevation gain: ~500 m (mostly gentle undulation)
• Time: 4–5 hrs walking / 2–3 hrs trail running
• Grade: Moderate – narrow sidle sections above steep drop-offs
• Navigation: DOC poles; still cache NZTopo50 or Maps.me offline
• Seasonality: Dry year-round; scorching under a nor’wester, icy in winter shadows
• Water & toilets: None after Skyline top station

Track Description & Highlights

From the Skyline Gondola top station the path trends north-west, cutting across open tussock with Lake Wakatipu shrinking behind. Schist tors pepper the hillside while remnant water races—hand-dug in the 1860s—trace improbable lines across bluffs. At the high point near Ben Lomond Saddle, a quick detour (30 min return) lands you on the saddle proper for a peek back to the Ben Lomond summit cone.

The traverse then dips into the Moonlight Creek catchment where speargrass and matagouri replace tussock. Skippers Canyon suddenly yawns open, its sheer walls revealing the braids of the Shotover hundreds of metres below. Keep an eye out for merino sheep and, at dusk, curious kārearea falcons riding the thermals.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailheads:
  1. Skyline Gondola (pay ride or muscle up the Tiki Trail); or
  2. Moke Lake Road via Arthurs Point for a reverse traverse.
• Exit: Track finishes beside the Arthurs Point Tavern—perfect for chips while you wait for Bus #2 or a mate with a car.
• Carry at least 3 L of water; the creeks are usually dry.
• UV and wind exposure are brutal—sun-hat, sunscreen and a wind-breaker are non-negotiable.
• Mountain bikes share the route; keep left on blind corners.
• Ambitious? Link Moonlight Saddle to Ben Lomond for a 20 km epic, but budget 8–9 hrs and extra snacks.

High-country solitude, gold-rush lore and skyline views—Moonlight Track delivers a full value traverse without straying far from Queenstown’s espresso machines.

11. Jack’s Point & Kelvin Peninsula Trail – Lakeside Boardwalk Bliss

When your legs crave distance rather than altitude, this smooth ribbon of gravel, boardwalk and lakeside single-track is the antidote. Skirting the turquoise fringe of Lake Wakatipu beneath the craggy Remarkables, it links the suburb of Kelvin Heights with the golf-course enclave of Jack’s Point. The route is virtually flat, so you can clock up kilometres, chat without puffing and still dine out on blockbuster views—proof that the best hiking Queenstown offers isn’t always vertical.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: Up to 18 km one-way (Kelvin Grove to Jack’s Point Clubhouse)
• Elevation gain: Negligible – a few gentle undulations
• Time: 4–5 hrs walk / ~2 hrs bike
• Grade: Easy – packed gravel and boardwalk
• Navigation: Obvious lake-edge path; still worth downloading Maps.me for junctions
• Shared use: Bikes permitted – keep left and use your ears
• Toilets/Cafés: Frankton Marina, Hilton jetty, Jack’s Point Clubhouse

Track Description & Highlights

From the Queenstown Bay water taxi landing at Kelvin Grove, the path meanders through sculpted pines, past large kinetic art pieces and onto cantilevered boardwalks hugging sapphire water. Cross a tiny suspension bridge and you’ll find mirror views of the Remarkables sliding across the lake’s surface—sunrise here is next-level. Beyond Jardine Park the track winds beneath ochre schist bluffs, weaving through native plantings alive with fantails. The final kilometres approach Jack’s Point Golf Course where a lakeside café delivers flat-whites with a million-dollar backdrop.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access options:
  1. Water taxi (15 min) from Queenstown Bay to Kelvin Heights wharf.
  2. Drive or bus #1 to Kelvin Heights, free parking at Jardine Park.
  3. For a shorter sampler, start at Frankton Marina.
• Bring a windproof layer; a nor’wester can whip along the shoreline.
• Sunscreen is essential—shade is scarce.
• Allow extra time for photo stops and the compulsory coffee at Jack’s Point; buses back to town depart from nearby State Highway 6A.
• If cycling, use a bell and slow to a walking pace when passing pedestrians—DOC rangers do patrol.

A breezy lakeside cruise that pairs perfectly with a café brunch, this trail shows off Queenstown’s softer side without skimping on scenery.

12. Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway – Wetland Birds & Mirror Views

12. Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway – Wetland Birds & Mirror Views

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 2.5 km loop
• Elevation gain: zero – totally flat
• Time: ~1 hr saunter
• Grade: Very Easy – wide gravel and boardwalk, push-chair and wheelchair accessible
• Navigation: one obvious loop; still handy to cache Maps.me tile for offline use
• Wildlife: scaup, pūkeko, paradise shelduck, white-faced heron
• Photo tip: glass-calm reflections of Mt Earnslaw and Mt Alfred are most reliable pre-10 am

Track Description & Highlights

From the boatshed at the end of Mull Street a broad gravel path slips into a wetland mosaic of raupō reeds and manuka thickets. Timber boardwalks float you across mirror-smooth ponds where the Humboldt and Richardson ranges double perfectly in the tannin-stained water. Strategic benches and two bird hides invite lingering—have binoculars ready for dab-chicks diving or a kāhu hawk cruising overhead.

At the half-way point a short spur leads to a jetty with the money shot: Mt Earnslaw’s glacier-capped summit reflected so cleanly you’ll want to flip your phone upside-down. In autumn the surrounding willows flame yellow, while winter snows add monochrome drama without icy underfoot conditions.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Getting there: 45-minute scenic drive from Queenstown; follow signs to Glenorchy waterfront, free car park by the iconic red boatshed.
• Facilities: Flush toilets, picnic tables, filtered water tap beside the wharf playground.
• Sandflies: Tiny but vicious—apply repellent before leaving the car.
• Weather: The lagoon sits in a basin; dawns are chilly even in summer, pack a light puffer.
• Sun & shade: Limited cover—hat and sunscreen essential on blue-sky days.
• Add-ons: Grab a flat-white at Mrs Woolly’s General Store or pair the walkway with the nearby Glenorchy Animal Experience for a family-friendly half-day.

An effortless loop that punches well above its weight in scenery, the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway proves you don’t need altitude to score those postcard reflections.

13. Invincible Mine Track – Short Climb to 1880s Ruins

Hidden deep in Rees Valley farmland, the Invincible Mine Track packs frontier history into a compact climb that even casual walkers can conquer. Rusting stamper batteries and hut chimneys remind you that gold once ruled these hills, while the lookout dishes up a sweeping alpine panorama that easily earns its spot on any “best hiking Queenstown” checklist.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 4 km return
• Elevation gain: ≈300 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hrs return
• Grade: Moderate – steady, sometimes slippery on clay
• Highest point: ~720 m lookout platform
• Navigation: Orange DOC triangles; download NZTopo50 or Maps.me for offline use
• Seasonality: Snow/ice possible June–Sept; alpine daisies bloom Dec–Feb

Track Description & Highlights

A short farm track crosses the Rees River flats before zig-zagging through beech forest scented with peppery horopito. After 40 minutes the trees part to reveal massive iron stamper wheels, broken ore carts and a corrugated bunkhouse skeleton—all left exactly where the miners downed tools in 1910. A final spur leads to a fenced lookout where the braided Rees Valley and glacier-capped Mt Earnslaw spread out like a giant relief map.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access: 25 km north of Glenorchy on Rees Valley Rd; last 10 km gravel with narrow one-way bridges—drive slowly.
• Parking: Small DOC area beside cattle yards; close farm gates behind you.
• Facilities: None—pack water, snacks and a small first-aid kit.
• Cell coverage: Zero; leave intentions and carry a PLB if hiking solo.
• Footwear: Trekking poles and grippy boots recommended, especially in winter frost.
• Respect: Stay on track, don’t disturb relics; they’re protected historic sites.

A bite-sized tramp that fuses gold-rush nostalgia with grandstand views—Invincible Mine proves short walks can still feel epic.

14. Tiki Trail to Skyline – Free Leg-Power Alternative to the Gondola

Skip the ticket queue and earn your luge session the old-fashioned way. The Tiki Trail is the locals’ cardio route to Bob’s Peak, climbing straight from Queenstown CBD through a shady fir forest and depositing you at the Skyline complex with lake views and coffee rewards. It’s short, steep and sweaty, but it saves $50+ on a return gondola fare and forms the first section of several bigger missions, including Ben Lomond and the Moonlight Track.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 2.1 km one-way
• Elevation gain: 450 m
• Time: 1–1.5 hrs up / 40 min down
• Grade: Moderate – consistently steep, rooty in places
• Navigation: Orange DOC triangles; offline route on Maps.me recommended
• Seasonality: Icy patches Jun–Aug; pine needles slick after rain

Track Description & Highlights

The path dives immediately into Douglas-fir, switch-backing under the gondola cables. Lake Wakatipu flashes through tree gaps while passing gondola cars offer curious waves. Midway, a wooden seat dubbed the “Grin and Bear It” bench delivers an excuse to catch breath and snap sunrise colours over Kelvin Peninsula. Near the top, the forest thins and the Skyline buildings suddenly appear—grab a flat-white, book a luge, or push on to Queenstown’s bigger peaks.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailhead: Brecon Street beside the gondola terminal; limited two-hour parking—walk from town if possible.
• Footwear: Trail runners or boots; pine duff hides slick roots.
• Facilities: Toilets, café, bar and water fountains only at the Skyline complex (none on track).
• Start early to dodge lunchtime crowds funneling downhill.
• Carry a head-torch for late descents; forest interior gets dark quickly.
• Combine with Skyline’s free downhill walking path to spare the knees on return.

A punchy climb that keeps both wallet and quads in shape, the Tiki Trail is the ultimate free upgrade to Queenstown’s skyline experience.

15. Mount Dewar Track & Secret Swing – Instagram-Ready Ridge

Less hyped than Ben Lomond yet every bit as photogenic, Mount Dewar is a rolling tussock ridge that tops out opposite the Remarkables. The real hook is the “secret” wooden swing bolted to a lone post a few minutes shy of the summit – an obligatory snap for anyone curating that best‐hiking‐Queenstown reel. Because the track sits on private high‐country farmland, trampers help fund weed-control via an honesty box, so keep gold coins handy.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 8 km return
• Elevation gain: ~600 m
• Time: 3–4 hrs return
• Grade: Moderate – steady farm road then rougher ridge path
• Highest point: 1 310 m
• Navigation: DOC orange poles and farm track; still cache NZTopo50/Maps.me
• Seasonality: Windy year-round; snow patches May–Oct
• Fees: Suggested $10 pp donation to Mahu Whenua covenant

Track Description & Highlights

From a lay-by near the Coronet Peak saddle a 4 WD road climbs through matagouri terraces, quickly gifting lake-and-lavender vistas back to Arrowtown. As the gradient eases onto a bald spur the Remarkables dominate the skyline and the Shotover River shines far below. Look for a short signed detour left – two minutes later the famous swing appears, dangling over a vertiginous drop with a 270° panorama begging for wide-angle mode. Push another ten minutes to the trig for full 360° views stretching from Lake Hayes to Cecil Peak.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Parking: Small gravel pull-out on Coronet Peak Rd (GPS: ‑44.9983, 168.7519); no toilets.
• Footwear: Sturdy boots; exposed ridge is rocky and can ice over in winter.
• Wind: Gusts exceed 80 km/h – secure hats, drones and swing selfies.
• Donation: Place cash in the green box at the gate; cards not accepted.
• Respect: Stay on formed track, leave farm gates as found, and give livestock wide berth.
• Extras: Time your descent for golden hour – the swing faces west, lighting up the Remarkables in copper tones.

16. Mount Judah Track – Scheelite Batteries & Free Alpine Hut

Looking for a walk that pairs back-country nostalgia with overnight potential yet stays doable in a long afternoon? Mount Judah delivers. This moderate-hard tramp climbs an old miners’ road above Glenorchy to rusting scheelite batteries, windswept tussock slopes and a no-booking, first-come bunkhouse that’s free to use. Add big-screen views of Lake Wakatipu and the Humboldt Range and you’ve got a slice of high-country history worthy of any best hiking Queenstown itinerary.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 10 km return to Bonnie Jean Hut
• Elevation gain: ≈700 m
• Time: 4–5 hrs return (allow extra if exploring relics)
• Grade: Moderate–Hard – long climb, occasional loose scree
• Highest point: 1 240 m
• Navigation: Old 4 WD track with DOC poles; cache NZTopo50 or Maps.me offline
• Seasonality: Snow drifts linger until November; avalanche paths above hut
• Hut: Bonnie Jean Hut (6 mattresses, no fee, first-in first-served)

Track Description & Highlights

The route strikes out from Buckler Burn car park on a gently rising 4 WD road once pounded by packhorses carting scheelite ore. Within 30 minutes the forest thins, revealing Lake Wakatipu framed by Cecil and Walter Peaks. Abandoned corrugated huts and hefty iron stampers punctuate the climb—pause to imagine miners chiselling tungsten by candlelight.

Beyond the Glenorchy Scheelite Battery a steeper spur leads through gold-tinged tussock to the broad Judah Saddle. A final push drops you into a sheltered basin where weathered Bonnie Jean Hut hides under snow tussock. The porch is a perfect lunch (or sunset) perch; kea patrol the ridgeline, and on still evenings the lake 800 metres below glows molten orange.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access: 6 km up the gravel Glenorchy–Paradise Rd; 2-WD OK but potholed—drive slow.
• Parking: Small DOC area beside farm gate; sign intentions book.
• Water: Creek beside hut usually reliable but treat or boil. Carry ≥2 L in summer.
• Gear: Warm layers, head-torch for hut, micro-spikes if snow persists; PLB recommended—zero cell coverage above tree line.
• Etiquette: Leave gates as found, stay on formed track, and pack out all rubbish.
• Safety: Check avalanche advisory if visiting before late spring; exposed ridges catch strong nor’westers—secure tents and gear.

Bag Mount Judah as a rewarding day hike or stay the night for star-laden skies and a dawn chorus uninterrupted by town traffic.

17. Earnslaw Burn Track – Glacier, Waterfalls & LOTR Scenery

If you’ve ticked off the tourist peaks and crave something raw, Earnslaw Burn is the heavy-hitting wilderness tramp that locals whisper about. The pay-off is a glacial amphitheatre straight from fantasy: jagged ice cliffs, a hundred ribbon waterfalls and the blue tongue of the Earnslaw Glacier spilling from 2 ,000 m. Peter Jackson thought it epic enough to stage a dwarf camp for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey—one look and you’ll see why.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 26 km return
• Elevation gain: ≈700 m
• Time: 8–10 hrs return (fit parties) or overnight in the upper basin
• Grade: Hard – rough rooty trail, river crossings, boggy flats
• Highest point (day): ≈980 m at the glacier cirque
• Navigation: Poles and sporadic triangles only; carry NZTopo50 CA09, compass & GPX on Maps.me
• Seasonality: Best Dec–Apr; snow, ice and avalanche paths line the upper valley May–Oct
• Water / toilets: Stream water (treat) and basic rock bivvy only

Track Description & Highlights

The adventure begins with a swing bridge across Lovers Leap stream, then a relentless root scramble through moss-choked beech dripping with lichens. After two hours the forest spits you onto tussock flats where the Earnslaw Glacier dominates the skyline and waterfalls free-fall hundreds of metres beside it—an audible roar on warm afternoons. Cross braided streams (stone-hop in summer, wade shin-deep after rain) and push to the enormous moraine wall. From here the cirque feels like a natural cathedral: ice seracs calve with rifle-shot cracks while kea wheel overhead. Campers tuck behind boulders or in the famed rock overhang; sunrise paints the glacier pink.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailhead: End of Lovers Leap Rd, 20 km north of Glenorchy—last 4 km rough; 4 WD helpful though careful 2-WDs manage dry conditions.
• River safety: Two unbridged crossings of the Earnslaw Burn; impassable in flood—turn back if water is coffee-coloured or above knee height.
• Comms: Zero cell reception—carry a PLB and leave intentions.
• Gear: Waterproof boots, gaiters for bog, full foul-weather kit even in midsummer; overnight parties need tent, stove and insect repellent (sandflies savage).
• Leave No Trace: Camp on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, and resist the urge to chip souvenir ice—this wild amphitheatre deserves respect.
  Earnslaw Burn is demanding but utterly unforgettable—Queenstown’s ultimate choose-your-own-epic for experienced trampers with sturdy legs and an eye for grandeur.

18. Frankton & Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Walk – Urban-Meets-Nature Cruiser

Looking for a zero-stress wander where you can sip a flat-white one minute and spot a shag drying its wings the next? This lakeside greenway links downtown Queenstown with Kelvin Heights via Frankton Marina, giving walkers, runners and cyclists a front-row seat to Wakatipu’s cobalt water and the ever-changing Remarkables. Because the path hugs the shoreline almost the entire way, you trade thigh-burn for easy kilometres and time to actually chat, day-dream or photograph passing steamship TSS Earnslaw.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 14 km return (Queenstown Gardens ↔ Kelvin Heights)
• Elevation gain: negligible – boardwalk-flat
• Time: 3–4 hrs walk / 1.5 hrs bike
• Grade: Easy – fine gravel, sealed sections
• Users: walkers, runners, bikes, prams; dog-on-lead friendly
• Navigation: well-signed; still download Maps.me for spur tracks

Track Description & Highlights

Begin in the Queenstown Gardens where mature Douglas fir open to wetland boardwalks brimming with pūkeko calls. The trail skirts Frankton Arm beaches, passes the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge and slips under lakeside pines adorned with kinetic sculptures. Beyond the Hilton jetty a mirrored stretch delivers postcard views of the Remarkables reflected in still morning water; at sunset, orange alpine glow turns the whole scene cinematic.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Access points: Queenstown Gardens, Frankton Marina, Bay View car park or Kelvin Grove jetty.
• Transport: Bus #1 (Queenstown ↔ Kelvin Heights) every 15 min; water taxi from Queenstown Bay; e-bike rentals aplenty.
• Cafés & toilets: Frankton Marina, Remarkables Park, Hilton complex.
• Bring sunscreen and a wind layer – the nor’wester funnels along the arm.
• Peak times see heavy bike traffic; keep left and use a bell or polite “coming through”.
• For an easy win, ride the bus out to Kelvin Heights and meander back to town with prevailing winds at your back.

19. Twelve Mile Delta to Ithilien Lookout – Lord of the Rings Secret

Quick Facts & Trail Map

• Distance: 5 km return
• Elevation gain: 200 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hrs
• Grade: Easy–Moderate – short, punchy climb on rooty switchbacks
• Highest point: ~620 m
• Navigation: Orange triangles; cache Maps.me offline
• Family friendly: Yes, keen kids manage it fine

Track Description & Highlights

From the Twelve Mile Delta DOC campground, the benched path winds through kanuka scrub to the lakeshore before veering uphill under shady beech. Ten minutes of steady switchbacks land you on a rocky knob where fantasy meets reality: Ithilien Camp from The Two Towers. Peer across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks exactly as Frodo and Sam did while hiding from the oliphaunts. In spring the slope blooms with kowhai, and on still days the lake mirrors the Remarkables like blue glass.

Logistics, Facilities & Pro Tips

• Trailhead: Twelve Mile Delta campground, 12 km (20 min) along the Glenorchy road; free day parking, DOC toilets, tap water.
• Camping: Self-register sites; perfect for sunset then dawn hike.
• Footwear: Sneakers fine, but use boots after rain – clay gets slick.
• Sandflies: Swarm near shoreline; apply repellent before starting.
• Timing: Sunrise soft-lights the lookout; late afternoon bakes the west-facing track.
• Add-ons: Link with the nearby Sam Summers Hut on Mount Crichton Loop for a full Middle-earth day out.

A bite-sized jaunt with blockbuster payoff, Ithilien Lookout is the cherry on top of Queenstown’s best hiking smorgasbord.

Wrapping Up Your Queenstown Hiking Adventure

From the stroller-friendly Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk to the butt-busting Ben Lomond summit, these 19 trails prove Queenstown packs an entire tramping buffet into a compact radius. Short on time? Stick to Bob’s Cove or Queenstown Hill for instant panoramas. Week to spare? String together big hitters like Routeburn, Mount Judah and Earnslaw Burn for a sampler platter of alpine lakes, glacier vistas and gold-rush relics. Whatever route you choose, the common thread is variety—distance, terrain and difficulty shift in kilometres, scenery in mere footsteps.

Epic views aside, the mountains demand respect. Check the mountain and avalanche forecast before driving to the trailhead; log intentions with a mate or on the DOC hut books; pack your layers, head-torch and enough kai for bonus kilometres you didn’t plan but will inevitably add. Give kea space, close farm gates, and carry out every scrap—future trampers will thank you.

Finally, gear can make or break the day. If your rain jacket leaks or your headlamp batteries are older than the Skyline Gondola, swing by Action Outdoors for advice and kit that can handle a sudden southerly. Grab what you need, tread lightly, and go collect those summit high-fives—Queenstown’s hills are waiting.