plan your walk

Short Walks in Queenstown

Looking for a shorter walk from Queenstown or walks you can do around the area to stretch your legs before a full hike?

Queenstown is a gateway to two of New Zealand's National Parks as well as many outstanding tracks and features surrounding it.  Just a short distance into nature reveals dramatic waterfalls, teeming birdlife and lush foliage.

You don't necessarily need guided tours to experience the world-renowned Central Otago and Fiordland Landscape.  Walking and biking tracks link up throughout the Queenstown  & Te Anau regions for a walk of half an hour or longer that you can usually start directly from your accommodation or within a short drive.

You can do day walks on the Routeburn Track either from Te Anau or Queenstown/Glenorchy.  If you have transport it's an easy walk up to Routeburn Flats.

There is also the opportunity to hike some of the Milford Track from Te Anau or Milford Sound - both ends require boat transport to the track.  

Queenstown walking tracks

Whether it's a leisurely stroll around the lakefront for stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range or a heart racing hike up Ben Lomond for 360 degree views, there's a walk to suit all ages and fitness levels.  And it's a great way to see the region and get acqainted with New Zealand's back yard.

Some of our favourites are:

Queenstown Hill - it's a steep climb from the town centre through a pine forest but you are  rewarded with a great view and know you have earned your pint or pinot.  This one is Zoe's favourite.

Lake Hayes track - Chris loves this - it's equally good for walking or biking.  A round trip from any starting point but if you're driving it's best to park at Lake Hayes Pavilion or the Reserve at the end of the lake.  Mirror views are superb from any angle on a still day and you are close to both Akarua and Amisfield wine tasting rooms, so make sure you leave time to visit one or both!

Arrowtown walking tracks

If you're visiting or staying in picturesque Arrowtown there are a number of well signposted tracks starting from the river track below the historic main street.  Our favourite is Saw-Pit Gully - a 2.5 hour loop track that takes you out behind the hills of Arrowtown with gorgeous views of lake hayes and Millbrook between the hills - this has some steep bits and is out of cell-phone range for much of it, but well worth the time.  If you prefer a more leisurely walk a walking track takes you along the Arrow river where you can cross over and either do a loop walk or tackle the blood pumping Tobins Track to the top of the Crown Terrace with a great view out over Arrowtown.

Check out the link to a booklet below for details on these and other hikes in and around Queenstown.

Be prepared

Wherever you decide to walk you should be prepared for inclement weather so always take a jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes.  A bottle of water is a must as well as plenty of sunscreen and a hat when the sun's out.  For hiking into the surrounding mountains for more than 3 hours, a more detailed equipment list is recommended including a first aid kit, food, water and warm clothing - click here to see our recommended clothing list.

Cell phone coverage can be patchy in the hills, so always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.

Regardless of whether you want  to hike with a guide or on your own add a walk into your Queenstown itinerary at any time of the year - Destination Queenstown's website gives a range of operators for outdoor activities, and the Department of Conservation has put out a great  booklet detailing the walks in Queenstown and the greater Wakatipu region.

Destination Fiordland also has great information about walks in Te Anau and on the Milford Road to Milford Sound.