Where Accessibility Meets Adventure in New Zealand’s South Island

Queenstown is a scenic town tucked beneath the Southern Alps, with sweeping views of the jagged ridgeline known as The Remarkables. It sits on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, a sparkling remnant of an ancient glacier. Often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, it’s the kind of place where people ski down hills in the morning, leap off bridges by noon, and zip through treetops before dinner.

Despite its international fame, Queenstown remains small, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Nature is always close. Within minutes, you can find yourself on a lakeside trail, breathing in the fresh mountain air, or sitting at a café with birdsong in the background and mountain views in every direction.

The town strikes a remarkable balance between untouched nature, thrilling adventure, great food, and relaxed shopping. It’s easy to get around, and even easier to want to stay. And you don’t need to chase thrills to feel the energy here.

Queenstown also invites you to slow down and take it all in. Light moves gently across the mountains. The air carries the clean, earthy scent of nature. In the early morning, the lake lies still and quiet, broken only by the sound of birdsong and the soft rustle of leaves.

Here, it’s easy to move between high-adrenaline moments and complete stillness. And most importantly, there are few barriers to experiencing it all.

Queenstown has become a welcoming base for travellers of all abilities. Thanks to a growing commitment to accessibility, more people can enjoy the region’s natural beauty and signature experiences.

As someone born with a muscular condition, I get around using crutches and have limited balance, but I can walk short distances, manage stairs, and drive a rental car with hand controls. I’ve also spent time using a wheelchair, so I understand what it’s like to navigate the world from a seated position and how uneven paths, steps, and other barriers can pose real challenges.

Whether you use a wheelchair full-time, prefer smooth and steady paths, or travel with a carer or mobility aid, I know how transformative it is to feel not just accommodated, but genuinely included.

Queenstown opens the door to fiords, mountains, and unforgettable moments. While it may take some planning, it doesn’t have to mean compromise.

On a recent trip, I explored Queenstown’s accessibility firsthand and put together a six-day itinerary filled with adventure, scenery, and inclusive experiences.

6-DAY ACCESSIBLE QUEENSTOWN ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome to Queenstown - Downtown Discovery

Queenstown’s centre is compact, walkable, and buzzing with life. It’s the perfect place to start your trip. Most of the centre is flat or gently sloped, with smooth pavement lining the main streets and lakefront.

Whether you’re browsing boutique shops or picking up a warm jacket or swimwear for the season, there’s plenty to choose from.

When hunger strikes, follow the scent of buttery pastry drifting out the door of The Bakery Queenstown. Inside, golden, flaky pies are pulled fresh from the oven. They’re warm in your hands and packed with flavour.

Afterwards, follow the accessible lakeside path starting from Marine Parade. This wide, flat promenade curves around Queenstown Bay, with uninterrupted views across Lake Whakatipu to the jagged peaks of the Remarkables.

Along the way, you’ll pass ice cream stands, street performers, craft stalls, and gently swaying boats. There’s even an information desk if you need tips or directions. The lake sparkles in the sun, with hungry seagulls circling above, waiting for a dropped snack. The path ends at Steamer Wharf after about 500 metres, but if you're enjoying the views, you can continue along the flat Lake Esplanade for more lakefront scenery.

In the evening, Steamer Wharf is the place to be. This lively waterfront area is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship. A great place to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. FINZ Seafood & Grill is a standout for fresh seafood, but Queenstown’s food scene is wonderfully global. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, noodle soup, or venison, you’ll find something to match your appetite.

DAY 2: Milford Sound by Coach – Epic Fiords Made Easy

Milford Sound is one of the crown jewels of New Zealand’s South Island. This deep fiord, carved by glaciers and surrounded by sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, feels otherworldly in any weather. Mist curls through the peaks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, fur seals, or even rare Fiordland penguins.

The road to Milford Sound is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It winds through broad valleys, mirror-like lakes, lush forests, and jagged alpine peaks. But since it’s over four hours one way without stops, the good news is you don’t have to drive it yourself to enjoy the views.

A range of operators offer day trips from Queenstown, from large coaches to small-group vehicles. I joined a full-day coach tour with GreatSights, which departs early in the morning. The coach features panoramic windows and a professional local guide who shares lively commentary, from Māori legends and town history to curious facts about the region’s plants, animals, and geology. While the full journey is around six hours (return four), it never feels too long thanks to the constant changing scenery and engaging stories.

Several stops are included along the drive, including a 30-minute break in Te Anau for refreshments, toilets, and a bit of shopping - plus a few scenic viewpoints. If you prefer, you can stay on the coach and enjoy the views from the comfort of your seat.

The cruise, operated by Southern Discoveries, is a fitting highlight. I boarded a modern, accessible catamaran for a 90-minute journey through the fiord’s deep, still waters. The ride is smooth and relaxing, with several open-air decks and spacious indoor seating surrounded by wide viewing windows. On deck, the air smells of salt and alpine mist. You hear only waterfalls, seabirds, and the quiet, awed murmur of fellow travellers.

Notes on accessibility:

The GreatSights coach has five steps to board, with sturdy handrails and assistance available from the driver. Wheelchairs can be stored in the luggage hold, and a small toilet is available on board if needed.

Travellers who cannot transfer out of their chairs may wish to consider self-driving using a wheelchair-accessible rental van from local providers such as Milner Mobility or Freedom Mobility. Alternatively, those who are able to transfer out of their chairs can explore scenic flight options with operators like Air Milford and Heliworks, who offer assistance and have introduced less steep aircraft stairs to improve access.

At Milford Sound, the coach stops close to the cruise terminal. The pathway is wide and smooth, with ramps leading from the terminal building to the ship. There are two small thresholds to cross when boarding, but staff are available to help.

The catamaran has several levels. There’s a buffet on the main level (pre-booking required) and a café upstairs. The buffet area has wide space to manoeuvre, and the food is set at a height that is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Staff are also happy to assist if needed, including bringing food or drinks down from the café. Outdoor decks have raised safety lips at the doorways, which may be difficult to cross in a wheelchair, but large indoor windows offer excellent views from inside. All railings on deck are designed to allow seated guests a clear view when outdoors.

Onboard toilets are located on the upper and lower decks, accessible only via steep internal stairs. If you use a wheelchair or prefer to avoid stairs, it’s best to use the accessible facilities at the terminal before boarding.

If you're short on time but still want to experience Milford Sound, a scenic helicopter flight is an exhilarating alternative. Heliworks offers a one-hour return trip from Queenstown, with the rare chance to hover close to jagged peaks, remote glaciers, and vast, untouched wilderness.

The day I flew, the sky was cloudless and the air crisp. From the moment we lifted off, the landscape unfolded in dramatic fashion, each turn revealing a new, spectacular view.

We soared above snow-dusted peaks, winding rivers, and steep valleys carved by ice. As we crossed the Southern Alps, the wind buffeted the cabin gently, and the crisp scent of high-altitude air - strikingly clean - drifted in through the vents.

We made a breathtaking landing on a rugged alpine peak, high above Milford Sound and what felt like the whole world spread out below. From a distance, the rocky ledge had looked far too narrow to land on. The approach felt surreal, like aiming for a mountaintop no wider than a dinner plate. But once we touched down, there was more space than it seemed.

The rotors stayed on, filling the air with a steady thrum and sending gusts of wind across the mountaintop as we stepped out. We had about fifteen minutes to take in the view. It felt wild and exposed, the wind tugging at our clothes and hair, with endless peaks in every direction.

Notes on accessibility:

Getting into the helicopter involves stepping onto a metal bar just below the cabin, then sliding yourself into a wide, comfortable seat with generous legroom. The crew are always ready to offer a hand if needed.

Landings usually take place on firm, uneven ground with grassy tufts. With advance notice, Heliworks can arrange a landing where a wheelchair can be brought out. Even if you’re not able to move far, you’ll still feel the rush of high altitude and enjoy uninterrupted views in every direction. And if you prefer to remain in the helicopter, the experience is just as memorable.

Air Milford also offers a flightseeing option for travellers with mobility challenges, thanks to a specially designed staircase with a gentler incline. While motorised wheelchairs cannot be accommodated, collapsible wheelchairs can be stored, and passengers can test the stairs in Queenstown before their flight.

DAY 3 - 4: Queenstown Adventure and Ease – Pick Your Pace

A few extra days in Queenstown give you the chance to find a rhythm that suits you. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or carving out quiet moments to recharge, there's something here for every mood and energy level.

Riding the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak was a fantastic way to start. As the cabin rises, sweeping views open up across Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu. The light, the colours, and the dramatic landscape wrapping around the city make it all feel like a postcard.

At the top, you'll find a restaurant, café, gift shop, scenic walking trails, and excellent stargazing spots. It’s also where I joined Ziptrek Ecotours for a zipline adventure through the forest canopy, with views stretching across the lake and surrounding mountains.
Ziptrek is Queenstown’s first net zero carbon tourism business, another reason to feel good about the experience.

A real advantage is that you don’t need to climb any stairs to reach the start. Since you begin at the top, the ziplines wind gradually down through the forest. The two-hour tour loops almost back to where you started and includes four ziplines connected by wooden platforms.

To move between each line, you descend a short set of wooden stairs, each with solid railings for balance. If stairs are tricky, you can slide down on your seat instead.

From each platform, you either step off, drop gently, or are lowered from the ledge before zipping to the next. You’re securely strapped into a full harness, with two friendly guides, one to send you off and one to meet you on the other side. In my case, one guide went ahead and carried my crutches, so they were always waiting for me at each platform.

Each ride between platforms was smooth and quiet, with only the whir of riders cutting through the stillness of the forest.

After the final zipline, there’s a 150-metre walk on forest terrain. The path is uneven, with tree roots and rock steps along the way. Once you reach the end, a vehicle can take you back up to the gondola area. This must be arranged in advance so make sure you talk to the team when booking.

If ziplining isn’t enough of a thrill, the Queenstown Luge offers a different kind of excitement. Small, gravity-powered carts run on a 1.6 km track filled with corners, dips, and tunnels. The carts sit low to the ground, so there’s no risk of tipping. You steer and brake with your hands, but a bit of leg strength helps you stay steady as you descend. You control your own speed and can start with the slower track if you prefer to take it easy.

At the bottom of the track, it’s a short 20-metre walk to the chairlift that takes you back to the top. The lift can be slowed or stopped if you need more time to board or exit. If the chairlift feels too tricky to manage, you can arrange for a vehicle to drive you up instead. To organise this talk to the Skyline team in advance.

Notes on accessibility:

The main complex at Bob’s Peak, including the viewing platform, is wheelchair friendly. However, due to ongoing upgrade work, access to the zipline, luge, and walking tracks may be limited for wheelchair users. It is recommended to speak with staff when booking to confirm current accessibility.

New gondola cabins are now in service. They seat up to ten people and are fully wheelchair accessible from the loading area. Staff can slow or stop the gondola to assist with boarding if needed.
A multi-storey car park with lift access is located just behind the gondola terminal, with accessible parking available on every level. Several additional accessible spaces are located outside the entrance, but these have time limits so be sure to check the signage.

When you're ready to wind down or looking for something more low-key, Queenstown has some wonderful options I can warmly recommend.

Kiwi Park is a peaceful wildlife sanctuary nestled within beautifully landscaped native bush. A calm, quiet break from the bustle of town. The air is filled with birdsong and the rustle of leaves, and it smells of damp earth and bark mulch. Family-owned and operated, the park is dedicated to saving endangered species and home to over 20 native animals and birds.

The highlight here is, of course, the kiwi. Because they’re nocturnal, it’s rare to see them in the wild, but here, a special enclosure with reversed lighting tricks the birds into thinking it’s night. If you let your eyes adjust and look closely, you’ll spot their small, restless shapes darting through the undergrowth, rustling leaves with their long beaks.

The park also hosts a conservation show several times a day, which I highly recommend. It’s informative, engaging, and a great chance to see more native wildlife up close.

Notes on accessibility:

The entrance to Kiwi Park is just next to the gondola terminal and involves a short downhill walk of about 100 metres. The surface is wooden with netting for grip – flat - but it may feel a little steep for some visitors.

Inside the park, the terrain is slightly uneven, with some hills, especially near the entrance and in the upper left area. Most of the central section is flatter and easier to navigate, with compacted dirt paths topped with a thin layer of loose gravel or mulch.

The conservation show takes place near the entrance and has ample wheelchair space, with clear sightlines for everyone. The kiwi encounter is located at the back of the park and takes about seven minutes to reach from the entrance at a steady pace. Explore the map here.

If you're still in the mood for something peaceful, there's another gem just minutes from the town centre: Queenstown Botanical Gardens. The paths are flat and paved, winding between tall trees, flowerbeds, manicured lawns, and chattering ducks by the lake. Whether you follow the 1.7 km mapped loop or simply wander at your own pace, it's an easy, scenic place to breathe and reset. Several parking areas are available nearby.
 

Another relaxing option is the TSS Earnslaw. A historic coal-powered steamship that’s been cruising Lake Whakatipu since 1912, and has the option to disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm. A place to experience rural life and learn about traditional sheep farming. You can also choose to include a dining experience at the farm, a relaxed, scenic way to end the day before sailing back to Steamer Wharf.

Notes on accessibility:

Boarding the Earnslaw involves a short, nearly level ramp and a small threshold to step over. As the vessel is original, onboard toilets are only accessible via a steep staircase. Accessible toilets are available nearby in the park next to Steamer Wharf, just a few minutes from the departure point, and also at Walter Peak.

The main level of the ship offers generous space, comfortable seating, and a bar/café. You can also access the outdoor deck, though stepping outside involves crossing raised safety lips at the doorways.
At Walter Peak, disembarkation is via another ramp. The paths are hard-packed dirt with a light gravel surface, and the dining building is just a short distance from the pier.

DAY 5 - 6: Scenic Day Trips – Arrowtown, Glenorchy or Wānaka

While Queenstown delivered plenty of adrenaline and adventure, having a few extra days gave me time to explore beyond. I visited the charming towns of Arrowtown and Glenorchy, took the scenic drive through Cardrona to Wānaka, and stopped at the photogenic Wānaka Lavender Farm. These are all excellent low-effort day trips, whether you want to combine two into one outing or take your time exploring at a slower pace.

Just 25 minutes from Queenstown lies Arrowtown. A historic gold mining town with flat, compact streets, old wooden shopfronts, and gentle riverside trails lined with trees that glow in the sunshine. It’s a postcard-perfect place, especially in autumn.

The town is known for its annual Autumn Festival, and although I arrived just a day after it ended, the streets were still bustling with visitors enjoying the brilliant autumn colours.

As you enter Arrowtown, the main tourist street is Buckingham Street. A large parking area is available on the lower parallel road, Ramshaw Lane. Accessible public toilets are located near this car park, so I recommend making a quick stop before heading up. There’s a short slope to reach Buckingham Street, but it’s manageable.

The street is only about 300 metres long, but it’s packed with charm. Since lowered kerbs are limited, I recommend starting at one end, going down one side, and returning on the other.

The Lakes District Museum & Gallery, located near the start of the street, is a great place to begin. It offers an excellent introduction to Arrowtown’s gold rush history and was recently refurbished with wider doorways and a lift for improved accessibility.

Along the street, you’ll also find small galleries, cafés, and a wide range of food options. For shopping, I recommend Outside Sports, especially if you're after quality New Zealand-made gear. They stock Icebreaker, and although it’s not cheap, I’ve had merino wool clothing from them for over 15 years still going strong.

The Remarkable Sweet Shop is also worth a visit. They make their own fudge and offer a colourful selection of sweets that appeals to kids and sweet-toothed adults.

For those with access to a car, I suggest moving your car to the dedicated parking area about 500 metres away near the Historic Chinese Settlement. The first section of this site is wheelchair friendly, with a hard-packed dirt surface and access into one of the preserved huts.
As a final stop, I recommend travelling eight minutes to Lake Hayes Reserve and the Lake Hayes Pavilion car park. The views over the lake are stunning, especially in late afternoon light when the surrounding hills are mirrored on the still water.

Glenorchy is a peaceful township that lies at the end of a spectacular 45 km road that hugs the edge of Lake Whakatipu. Around every bend is a new view that makes you want to pull over.

About halfway to Glenorchy, you’ll find Bennett’s Bluff Viewpoint. The track to the viewing platform is about 400 metres from the bus parking area. The path is wheelchair-friendly, but there’s a steady uphill gradient to consider. The views are lovely, though not dramatically different from what you’ll already enjoy from the roadside. That said, the site does have accessible public toilets, which might be helpful.

The township itself is quiet and compact, home to the iconic Glenorchy Wharf, where a long wooden pier stretches out over the clear blue lake, framed by mountains and pebbled beaches. Right beside it stands the town’s most photographed building: a restored red barn that now houses a small heritage museum.

There’s plenty of parking nearby, and the pier is flat and easy to access. The museum, however, has a few steps at the entrance, which may limit access for some visitors.

Just a short walk from the wharf, Akin serves fresh, seasonal food, perfect for a light meal after soaking up the scenery. Beside it, you’ll find a food truck by Patagonia Chocolates, a beloved New Zealand brand known for ice cream and handmade chocolate.

A few steps further takes you to the public bathrooms, a couple of small shops, and the quiet town centre. Everything is close together, making it easy to explore slowly and without effort.

Wānaka is just over an hour from Queenstown, either via the scenic Crown Range - New Zealand’s highest alpine road - which passes through the historic settlement of Cardrona, or you can take the slightly longer route through Cromwell.

The tiny stop of Cardrona is home to New Zealand’s oldest pub, the Cardrona Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s. Nearby, a fence famously decorated with hundreds of bras adds a quirky and unexpected touch to the landscape.

Known for its laid-back atmosphere, mountain-framed lake, and excellent cafés, Wānaka is the kind of town where it’s easy to get distracted.

The lakeside promenade is flat and accessible, winding along the shoreline with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding peaks. There are plenty of places to pause, let the breeze tousle your hair, and listen to the quiet rhythm of waves lapping at the shore.

For a casual bite, I recommend Doughbin Bakery, which has outdoor seating and lovely lake views. Their mini mince pies were absolutely delicious, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a quick snack before carrying on with your day.

Just five minutes from the town centre, the Wānaka Lavender Farm is a peaceful and picture-perfect spot to visit year-round. With rows of lavender, friendly animals, and a small café and shop, it offers a calming sensory experience, filled with floral scents and soft breezes. Even outside peak bloom, the gardens are beautifully maintained, with seasonal flowers, trees, and shifting colours throughout the year.

Notes on accessibility:

The farm has accessible parking directly outside the entrance, and a ramp leads into the main building. Much of the property is grassy lawn, but the ground is firm and well kept, making it manageable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are some mild slopes, but nothing too steep, and the areas around the animals are surfaced with hard-packed dirt. The shop, café, and toilets are all easily accessible.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Destination

Queenstown and its surrounds form a corner of New Zealand that offers something rare, a region where nature is at your doorstep and adventure is part of everyday life. While it may be known for its extremes - soaring peaks, high-speed thrills, and striking landscapes - the most meaningful part of the journey, for me, was feeling included.

It’s not just about what you see, but how you feel as you move through it. This isn’t a place that asks you to watch from the sidelines.

Queenstown has a big reputation, and thankfully, it’s rising to meet the needs of all travellers.

With the right support and a bit of planning, everyone can take part in the adventure.

Practical Notes for Accessible Travel in and around Queenstown

• Book early: Especially for activities or Milford Sound tours in peak season.
• Tour operators: Confirm accessibility directly and discuss your needs in advance for the best experience.
• Parking: Queenstown is popular, plan ahead and allow extra time to get to your activities. Explore the Map here.
• Hotels: Use sites like Booking.com or Tripadvisor to filter for roll-in showers and accessible rooms, but always call to confirm details.

Useful links: 

Accessible Queenstown

Rental Mobility Vehicles

Making Trax Foundation - Inclusive Experiences Directory