Short New Zealand walks with big rewards
You don’t have to walk for days to seek out spectacular wilderness views in Queenstown. Pack a picnic and head out on some of these day walks.
- Lake Hayes Walk: A much-photographed lake that can deliver mirror-like reflections on a still day, it takes around 2 hours to circumnavigate Lake Hayes, following an 8km track with some gentle rises and pleasant boardwalk sections. Begin from the lake beach in either direction, with views towards the Cardrona Valley and the Arrowtown hills along the way. When you arrive back, the beach is a nice spot to settle down with a picnic and even brave a swim to the pontoon, a popular summer spot with locals.
- Tobin’s Track: This steep climb starts with a bridge crossing over the Arrow River and heads up into the hills above Arrowtown, enjoying views that span to Lake Hayes and the Remarkables ski field, with the colours of the historic village below. Part way up, watch out for signs to the old family cottage of the track’s namesake, Thomas Tobin. Climbing straight up for around thirty minutes, this one will get the heart pumping, but the views from on high are worth the workout. Bring some lunch and settle in on one of the bench seats to soak in the view.
- Bob’s Cove: Either take a short, 20-minute amble through native bush to beautiful Bob’s Cove and settle in for a swim and a picnic lunch, or for a longer walk, take the 12 Mile Delta track beginning from the campground entrance (a Lord of the Rings filming location) and access Bob’s Cove this way. The track will lead you along the lake’s edge, with incredible views of the mountains over the sparkling water, and through native bush and past historic remnants from settler days. Enjoy the special, quiet cove before ambling back the way you came on this 6.8km walk.
- Ben Lomond: A more demanding day walk for experienced hikers, this 11km hike requires some stamina - but the 360-degree views at the top spanning over Queenstown, Cecil and Walter Peaks, the Remarkables and even so far as Mount Aspiring will make the sweat worthwhile. Beginning from the Tiki Trail at the bottom of the Skyline gondola, this track takes you above the treeline to alpine tussocks, with the climb from the Saddle to the 1,748m high summit being slightly more rough and ready. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes and enjoy the feeling of being on top of the world! *Access to the Ben Lomond Track is currently limited. Due to storm damage, access from Queenstown is only possible via the Skyline Gondola complex. Hikers need to take the gondola ride up and down (fees apply) and exit from the top terminal. Check the DoC track conditions for the latest updates.
View from Tobin's Track
Cycle your way to relaxation.
An exhilarating way to see more of the area is to hop on a bike. Hire a mountain bike or an e-bike and explore the extensive Queenstown Trail network, which extends over 130kms from Queenstown towards Gibbston and Arrowtown and almost everywhere in between.
Bikes can be hired from several outlets in town, as well as in Kelvin Heights and Arrowtown - both sites of some great lake and riverside trails. There are too many options to list, but one popular day trip is to start in Arrowtown and take the Arrow River trail, a pleasant ride along the water’s edge and popular with families, before continuing on towards Gibbston. Here you can ride alongside the roaring Kawarau River and over the historic bungy bridge, stopping to visit some wineries and the Gibbston Cheesery for taste tests or some lunch.
Arrow River Bridges Trail. Credit Will Nelson
Cool off in Queenstown’s lakes and rivers.
Surrounded by waterways, Queenstown locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming locations. The most popular spots on a sunny day are Frankton Beach or Queenstown Bay, but there are also many hidden swimming holes and lake plunges to be had around the area. Here are three favourites.
- Arrow River: Sling your towel over your shoulder and amble along the Arrow River track, starting in Arrowtown, and before long you are sure to see a place to swim. There are many natural swimming holes, some of which change in depth and flow with the weather. Some will be easy to find on a summer’s day by the call of local children splashing and playing, or you might find your own private spot. Being alpine-fed, the water is cold year-round - but it will leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
- Wilson’s Bay: Drive in the direction of Glenorchy and eventually you will come to a little, clearly signposted bay. This magical spot is adjacent to the 12 Mile mountain bike tracks, so can be popular with bikers cooling after a day’s ride. The water is crisp and calm and the views across the lake are incredible. The sunset is magnificent here, making it a perfect spot for an evening dip.
- Moke Lake: A short drive along Queenstown-Glenorchy Rd, Moke Lake is accessed via a gravel road and is one of the most peaceful spots in Queenstown. With a lesser depth than Lake Wakatipu, the water is a more accommodating temperature for a swim and it is also a beautiful, calm spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. For those looking to make a day of it, walk the circular track around the lake before taking the plunge into the cool, clear waters.
Wilson's Bay
Sightseeing for tired legs
To experience the sights without the hikes and long days cycling, or for a rest day activity once the walks and rides are done, try one of these.
- Nomad Tesla Tours: Experience the wonders of alpine views on these small group tours, through the glass-roofed Tesla Model X ESUV, an entirely electric model that is quiet, smooth-riding and zero emission. Tour options include a journey to Glenorchy and Paradise, a trip to historic Skipper’s Canyon, or a guide’s choice trip around top secret spots around the Whakatipu area.
- Skyline Gondola: This short gondola ride lets you see Queenstown from a different angle. Up top, it’s possible to grab lunch and settle in to truly take in the lake vistas and alpine atmosphere. While you’re up there, you may even like to have a go at the famously fun luge! No rush to come down, but when you’re ready, a gentle gondola ride will have you descending back into town.
- Coronet Peak Scenic Chairlift: At the top of the Coronet Peak access road, experience the views usually only seen by keen skiers in the winter and tenacious mountain bike riders in the summer. Journey up the chairlift or gondola and walk to the lookout, with views down the lake to Kingston, across to the Remarkables, and over into the backcountry behind Coronet Peak towards Skipper’s Canyon.
Tesla tour in Skippers Canyon