Queenstown is a must-visit destination on any trip to New Zealand. It’s full of adventurous things to do, and the scenery around Lake Wakatipu is breathtaking. There are so many good walks to do in the area, it can be hard to choose! Here are the most beautiful day hikes to do around Queenstown, New Zealand.
Lake Alta
This stunning alpine lake is located in the Remarkables. It’s a short but steep climb up from the parking area, but absolutely worth it for the incredible mountain scenery! Lake Alta was a film location in Lord of the Rings, as Dimrill Dale. It’s where the Fellowship leave the Mines of Moria after losing Gandalf. It’s easily one of the most beautiful hikes around Quenstown!
Distance: 3.8km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is a fantastic hike to do, right from the heart of Queenstown. There’s a very small car park at the trailhead, but when I went there was plenty of (free) on-street parking available on Belfast Terrace. When you get into the forest, the trail splits and you can do the route as a loop. The trails join together at the Basket of Dreams sculpture, just below the actual summit of the hill. The views are phenomenal – you can see down into Queenstown, across Lake Wakatipu, and across to the airport and the Remarkables.
Distance: 6km
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Ithilien Lookout (12 Mile Delta)
This is a short walk at 12 Mile Delta that’s a must for Lord of the Rings fans. Ithilien Lookout was a film location in the movies – it’s where Frodo and Sam spot the Haradrim and oliphants in Two Towers! There’s a small parking area at the back of 12 Mile Delta campsite, and a short walk on a well-formed trail to get to the lookout. I’d recommend pinning the exact lookout point on GoogleMaps so you know where to walk!
Distance: 2km
Time: 30 minutes
Bob’s Cove
Bob’s Cove is another short walk at 12 Mile Delta, close to Queenstown – it’s actually one I missed out on, so don’t make the same mistake as me! It’s a bit confusing as there is a track you can follow from 12 Mile Delta campsite, or you can park at the designated car park for a short and relatively easy walk. There’s a beautiful beach and jetty here – don’t forget your swimsuits and towels! Pin the exact point of the car park on GoogleMaps, as it’s not signposted from the road.
Distance: 2km
Time: 30 minutes
Mount Crichton Loop
I loved this hike! Follow the river valley through the forest to Sam Summers Hut, named for a miner who lived here while looking for gold. There’s a pretty waterfall just after the hut, and beautiful views of the mountain peaks when the forest opens up. You’ll also come to a gorgeous view of Lake Wakatipu about two-thirds of the way around. The trail is a loop, which you can do either way. After the car park, you’ll come to a bridge – I recommend going to the left, across the bridge, as it’s a more gradual climb.
Distance: 8.7km
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Moke Lake Circuit
Moke Lake is a pretty area, up and away from the busy road and surrounded by rolling hills and mountain vistas. The walk is pretty flat, and the trail around the lake is easy to follow. Note that there’s approximately 6km of unsealed road to get to the campsite and car park at Moke Lake – it was fine in a 2WD campervan, although I did take it pretty slow as it was raining.
Distance: 7.4km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway
You can’t miss a visit to Glenorchy on a trip to Queenstown – this is such a beautiful area to explore! Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway is an easy, flat loop around the water. Part of the trail goes on a boardwalk through the lagoon itself! I went in the fall, when the leaves here put on a beautiful display.
Distance: 5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Ben Lomond
The one that got away – unfortunately, I missed out on Ben Lomond on my trip to Queenstown. This is a very challenging, full-day hike. Although it’s only 15km, there’s approximately 1450 meters of elevation gain. Don’t underestimate it! You can miss out on some of the tough climb by taking the Queenstown Gondola up, and starting the trail from there. Alternatively, take the Tiki Trail up, or do the full hike starting from Thompson Street Trailhead. Give yourself plenty of time, and pack all the water and snacks you’ll need for the day!
Distance: 15km (1450 meters of elevation gain)
Time: 6 to 9 hours
Planning Your Trip to Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, and (along with Christchurch) a main tourism hub on the South Island. Queenstown Airport is the best for flights, with a good range of domestic and international routes – I use Skyscanner to find the best deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. You’ll definitely want your own vehicle to access all these amazing hikes. But there are so many tours you can do around Queenstown, too! Here are my recommendations for tours that visit some of these hikes.
If you’re looking for more tours and activities in Queenstown, check out the options below!
Where to Stay in Queenstown
I stayed at 12 Mile Delta Campsite for the majority of my time around Queenstown. It’s a short drive out of town, with basic toilet facilities and access to a stunning part of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a DOC campsite, and you can stay here for free if you have a DOC campsite pass.
For my first night in New Zealand, I stayed at Nomads Queenstown hostel in a 6-bed dorm. I was only there for one night, and I was pretty exhausted, but I had a good stay. The room was clean, there were small lockers for valuables, and the bathrooms had a huge number of shower/toilet cubicles – I never had to wait! There’s a big (albeit busy) kitchen, as well as multiple common areas like a lounge and movie area. It’s a good price, and a top-notch location in the heart of town; I’d definitely stay here again.
If you’re looking for more options in Queenstown, here are a few options!
- Blue Peaks Lodge – this motel is in the heart of town, with comfy and cozy rooms and super-friendly staff
- mi-pad Queenstown – four-star accommodation with a stunning view from the terrace
- Heritage Queenstown – a beautiful hotel a short five-minute drive from town, with lake view rooms available
- Turner Heights Townhouses – two-bed apartments in an unbeatable location in the center of town, with free on-site parking
Queenstown is a stunning part of New Zealand – I absolutely loved my time around here. There’s so many things to see and do, but going for a hike has to be done! If you’re looking for short day hikes in the area, Lake Alta, Queenstown Hill, and Mount Crichton Loop are probably my favorites. I hope this post helps planning your hiking adventures and trip itinerary around Queenstown!
Have you visited Queenstown? What were your favorite hikes in the area?
You might also like my posts:
How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand for 6 Weeks? (2024 Budget)
Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life (2024 Guide)
15 Incredible and Underrated Hikes on the East Coast of Australia
All of my hiking posts!
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