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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.
Walking and biking tracks link up throughout the Queenstown region for a walk of half an hour or longer that you can usually start directly from your accommodation or within a short drive.
Here are some of our favourites:
Queenstown Hill
Start from the town centre and follow the signs through the streets to reach the dense pine forest. Views of the bay greet you at the top.
Lake Hayes
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 Mora 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.
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 .
Cell phone coverage can be patchy in the hills, so always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
