The 8 best hikes in Queenstown and the surrounding area, New Zealand
The 8 best hikes in Queenstown and the surrounding area, New Zealand
Queenstown is known as an adventure capital of New Zealand. What you may not know is that it is also a great place for hiking. Here are the 8 best hikes in Queenstown for adventure travelers!
From epic mountain peaks directly from the city to spectacular coastal paths on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the perfect goal for everything outdoors.
In this short guide, I present the 8 best hikes in and around Queenstown to help you plan your day trips! I also wrote comprehensive hiking guides for every hike. So if you are looking for further information and photos, take a look at the links under each section.
enjoy!
Best hikes in Queenstown
Here are the absolutely best hikes in Queenstown and the surrounding area! Most hikes are either directly from the city or just a short trip or tramp.
However,I recorded two of my favorite hikes, which are accessible from a short trip to neighboring Glenorchy. The street here is one of the most scenic in New Zealand and only takes about an hour. It is therefore possible to take all of these hikes from Queenstown.
1. Book path Ben Lomond
One of the most popular and challenging hikes in Queenstown is the epic day trip to Ben Lomond Summit, which is located at 1748 m AMSL.
This hike is accessible directly from the city by starting on the Tiki path right next to the Skyline gondola.
await you a steep but worthwhile ascent, which takes about 5-7 hours to finish and return. From the summit you have a wide view of Queenstown, the Remarkables and of course the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
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Complete hiking guide: Hiking on Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown
2. Tiki trail for gondola
If you don't want to hike to the Ben Lomond summit, the Tiki Trail to the top of the Skyline Gondola is still a very worthwhile journey.
The Tiki Trail is one of the famous local hikes from Queenstown and offers a great view of the city from above. The path itself is steep, but very picturesque when they come past dense birch forests and noises of local birds.
You will also find the "tobogganing" at the top, one of the most popular adventure activities in Queenstown. If you want to go down again with the gondola, I also recommend you to book a gondola and tobogganing community ticket online.
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3. Queenstown hill
The most popular hike in Queenstown, the Queenstown Hill Loop Track, is a gentler but scenic hike that leads to the top of the local hill.
The entire route can be mastered within 2-3 hours, so there is no excuse not to go on the trail! I recommend leaving at sunset or sunrise to enjoy the most impressive views of Queenstown.
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Complete hiking guide: hike on the Queenstown Hill Loop
4. Moke Lake loop
MOKE LAKE New Zealand is a small mountain lake near the small suburb of Closeburn near Queenstown. Although this lake is only a relative stone throw from the busy adrenaline center, Moke Lake is a much tammer and remote hiking area.
The Moke Lake Loop is a short, picturesque walk that covers the scope of the lake. There is also a great viewpoint on the adjacent hill, from which you have a wonderful view of the lake.
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Read more: Hiking and camping on Moke Lake, Queenstown
5. Bob’s Cove Track
For those who are looking for a quick and simple coastal path with a breathtaking sea view, Bob’s Cove Track Queenstown is the best hiking path in the city. I say that because it is only a short 20-minute walk for prospects that are probably more impressive than other popular routes like Queenstown Hill.
On a clear day, I would highly recommend that you make the short drive from Queenstown to the bay and climb up to the Picnic Point. The view of the Remarkables and the Lake Wakatipu is not steep, but spectacular.
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Complete guide: Bob’s Cove Track Queenstown
6. Altasee hike
Now for a small "Schummel" hike to a picturesque Alpensee with a viewpoint that lies at 2000 m above sea level. By that I mean that they will drive most of the climb from Queenstown.
The Lake Alta hike is a short route that leads from the Remarkables ski area and ends right next to the lake. However, if you follow my guide below, I describe a relatively unknown route that ends at one of the most impressive viewpoints in Queenstown.
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Complete guide: Lake Alta hike and Secret Saddle Viewpoint
7. Earnslaw Burn hike
Probably one of the best hikes near Queenstown, if not in New Zealand. To get to the starting point of the hiking trail, you have to drive from Queenstown to the nearby city of Glenorchy for about an hour.
The Earnslaw Burn-Route follows the glacier fire of Earnslaw through dense birch forest before collapsing into a valley lined with waterfalls with an unbeatable view of the Earnslaw glacier.
This hike is usually undertaken for two days, with free campsites available in the valley. If you break off early enough and have enough energy, you can do this hike from Queenstown in one day.
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Read: Complete guide for the Earnslaw Burn Hike
8. The Routeburn route
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and also one of the most scenic hikes in New Zealand. Most hikers and hikers try this over 2-3 days. However, it is possible to hike the most beautiful section of this path in a long one-day return hike.
Similar to the Earnslaw Burn hike, the Routeburn Track is not exactly a hike in Queenstown. You have to leave a little earlier to drive the one -hour panoramic road to Glenorchy before you set off.
If you don't have time to stay in Glenorchy, it is still a popular option to start hike from a base in Queenstown.
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Day trip: Best Routeburn Track Daily Hike
where in Queenstown
I wrote a separate, comprehensive accommodation leader with the best accommodations in Queenstown - be sure to look at it to get a great offer! Otherwise you will find a short summary of my top picks below.
Best luxury accommodation: Shotover Penthouse & Spashotover Penthouse & Spa is an incredible apartment that has an outdoor terrace with grill and whirlpool. It is 200 m from the Skyline Gondola and Luge and 1.3 km from the Shotover River.
Best Value Lodge: Melbourne Lodgedie Melbourne Lodge is five minutes walk from the center of Queenstown. It offers a picturesque view of the Remarkable Mountains and has a large common sun terrace outdoors. This is a great choice for a cheap stay in Queenstown. This lodge is suitable for families or solo travelers with a small budget.
Where I stayed: SpaceShip Car Waring of my last visit to New Zealand I drove stylishly in a spaceship rental car. These are ideal for price -conscious adventure travelers because they check their accommodation and transport in a decent package.
cheapest hostel in Queenstown: Base Backpackersqueenstown is known for many things; Adrenaline sports, epic day hikes and a fantastic nightlife. What it is not known for, has something to do with the word cheap. If you book in advance, you can still get a dormitory bed for less than 25 NZD at Base Backpackers.
lakefront hostel with atmosphere: Yha Queenstown LakeFrontyha compared to the incredible Lake Wakatipu is one of the best and highest rated hostels in Queenstown. If you meet other adventure travelers, be close to the action and prefer a comfortable dormitory bed, don't look past the Yha Lakefront
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Further ideas: Complete list of the best conversations in Queenstown
Further activities on the South Island
I hope that this shortfooter has inspired you to tie her up the boots and set off!
More free adventure travel guides in Queenstown and on the South Island of New Zealand can be found in the following list. For other great hikes you will find this guide to the 31 best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand.
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
- landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
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