Nestled in the stunning South Island, Queenstown is a treasure trove for walkers and hikers of all fitness levels. Whether you seek easy hikes in Queenstown or more challenging day walks, the area’s trails promise breathtaking views—from the Remarkables Mountain Range to the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu.
For those venturing on longer day hikes, checking in with the nearest DOC Visitor Centre for trail and weather updates is essential. Dive into the best walks in Queenstown, where natural beauty and outdoor adventure await at every turn.
Short Queenstown Walks
One of the best walks in Queenstown begins conveniently in the town centre. The Queenstown Gardens provide a picturesque walk around a small peninsula with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. While exploring, you can also enjoy a lively game of frisbee golf within the gardens.
1. Frankton Track – Queenstown Trail
The Frankton Arm Walkway is a superb choice for those seeking amazing views along their walk. This well-maintained, wheelchair-accessible trail starts just 2 kilometres from downtown Queenstown off Park Street and stretches to the Frankton end of Lake Wakatipu.
Typically, the Frankton Track takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete one way. For those wanting a longer journey, consider extending your walk by an additional 6.5 km across the water from Frankton to the sculpture trail on the Kelvin Peninsula.
Insider’s Tip: The Frankton end of Lake Wakatipu is known for being warmer than other areas, making it a perfect spot to unwind and cool off on warm days.
View over lake Wakatipu from the Frankton Beach.
2. Seven Mile Point Track
The Seven Mile Point Track offers an easy walk or a moderately challenging bike ride through regenerating bush and pine forest, culminating in picturesque views of Wilson Bay. The trailhead is just an 8-minute drive from Queenstown along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, making it easily accessible for a quick escape into nature.
3. Queenstown Hill Time Walk
This trail is one of the best short walks around Queenstown, featuring a 500-metre ascent that rewards hikers with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, the Remarkables, and beyond. The Queenstown Hill walking track starts on Belfast Street and typically takes 2-3 hours for a round trip. As you ascend through the pine forest to the Queenstown Hill Summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness), you’ll encounter six informational plates detailing various historical epochs of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. The first ‘peak’ features the ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture, and if you venture a further 15 minutes, you’ll reach a higher peak offering even more breathtaking views across the Wakatipu Valley.
The Basket of Dreams Sculpture / View from Queenstown Hill
4. Tiki Trail to the Gondola
The Tiki Trail offers an invigorating one-hour zigzag walk through a pine forest to the summit of Bob’s Peak. Suitable footwear is essential, as it’s a steep climb with rocky sections and tree roots. The effort is rewarded with amazing views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach Skyline Queenstown, you can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant, gift shop, and toilets. For added adventure, consider riding the luge or experiencing a tandem paragliding flight back down the hill.
View from the top of the Gondola
More of the best short walks in Queenstown are within a half-hour drive:
5. Moke Lake Loop Track
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, you’ll find the Moke Lake Loop Track turn-off. This hidden gem is nestled among rolling tussock-covered peaks and offers a gentle elevation gain of about 150 metres. The loop encircles the tranquil Moke Lake, with the entire trail taking roughly 2–3 hours to complete. This popular, undulating walk passes through grassland and is flanked by majestic mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop as you circle the lake. A short boardwalk at the southern end helps to preserve the delicate wetland area. The walking trail starts at the Moke Lake Reserve.
6. Lake Hayes Walkway
Experience the beauty of Lake Hayes on an 8 km loop track that can be enjoyed whether you stroll, walk, run, or cycle. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of spectacular mountains, this easy trail has multiple access points, including the Lake Hayes Pavilion and the show grounds on SH6, Bendemeer Bay, the North Lake Hayes picnic area, Arrowtown Road and Rutherford Road off Speargrass Flat Road. The route offers a variety of stunning views and is perfect for a leisurely day out in nature.
Lake Hayes
7. Lake Alta Track
The Lake Alta Track is a local favourite, less known among tourists, and located at the summit of the Remarkables—a 40-minute drive from Queenstown. This hike features stunning alpine scenery and offers a rewarding hill climb. The trail leads to a small lake tucked away in a natural amphitheatre at the head of a glacial valley, known as a ‘cirque,’ and sits below the imposing Double Cone peaks.
View on the way up to the Remarkables ski-field car park.
Getting to the Start of the Lake Alta Track
Lake Alta is located within the Remarkables Ranges. To access the start of the walking track, drive your Pegasus Rental car in the direction of the Remarkables. Follow this road up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll find the ski-field carpark.
To make your hike easier, we recommend you park at the top carpark where you’ll see a ‘public walking access’ sign – this is the start of the Lake Alta hike. To get the best views over Queenstown you will head up a slightly different track off to the right hand side. This is a very steep track and should only be done in proper hiking boots or study shoes.
View over Lake Wakatipu including Frankton and Queenstown.
Arrowtown
8. Arrowtown River and Sawpit Gully Trails
Venture to Arrowtown, where you can explore the historic Chinese settlement or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arrow River on the Arrow River Trail. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Sawpit Gully Trail offers a challenging 2-3 hour loop. This track, steep in parts, winds through mostly open country, providing a robust hiking experience. After your trek, unwind and refuel at one of Arrowtown’s delightful eateries, including the famous Patagonia ice cream parlour, perfect for a sweet treat.
Longer Queenstown Hikes
9. Ben Lomond
For the truly dedicated hikers, the trek to the summit of Ben Lomond (1748m) offers a rewarding all-day return hike that begins at Skyline. This challenging day hike takes you through an alpine environment and should only be attempted in good weather with appropriate hiking boots and sufficient water and food.
On clear days, the summit provides spectacular views of Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Mt Aspiring/Tititea. Be prepared for snow and ice above the bush line from April to November. For those looking for a shorter option, you can take the Skyline gondola to bypass the initial ascent on the Tiki Trail, giving you a head start towards the summit.
More Amazing Short Hikes in Queenstown
- Bob’s Cove Track: A beautiful walk 20 minutes one way through native bush with lake views. Connect to the Twelve-mile Delta Track for a longer hike.
- Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway: An easy 1-2 hour loop track with views of the stunning Humboldt Mountains and abundant bird life.
- Lake Dispute Track: A 1.5-hour return hike to a beautiful high-country lake.
- Sunshine Bay Track: A leisurely lakeside stroll with a mild elevation gain from Queenstown Bay Beach to Sunshine Bay.
- Routeburn Track: A challenging 33km nature walk through diverse ecosystems in Mt Aspiring National Park.
Remember to check weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for your chosen walk. Whether after day hikes or short walks in Queenstown, you will find a trail that suits your fitness level and offers stunning views of the area’s natural beauty.
• Plan ahead and prepare
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Respect wildlife and farm animals
• Be considerate of others
Pick up a rental car from Pegasus Queenstown Airport, and you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to drive to the start of any of these great walks and all the other attractions to be found in the beautiful Queenstown area. Enjoy!