Walking & Hiking

Queenstown and the surrounding region’s geography, flora and fauna are incredibly diverse and can be explored on a range of stunning hiking trails.

A number of short scenic walks start right from Queenstown’s town centre whilst the dramatically beautiful Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks, home to the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks, are within easy reach for a day trip or the full multi-day hiking expedition.

Get in touch with nature

Queenstown offers a wide range of walking tracks and trails that explore different parts of the region, including Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Lake Hayes. Some trails are little more than a stroll, others are wide but challenging uphill hikes towards far-off peaks, and others still are narrow trails that cut into gullies and offer a different kind of excitement.

It’s easy to organise your walking trip

For international visitors or those who don't have their own equipment, there are also a number of hiking equipment hire outlets and shops for picking up new gear.

Whether you require hiking boots, poles, clothing or larger items like tents, packs and gas cookers, you'll find the right equipment for your walking trip at any of Queenstown's hire outlets.

Organise safe, timely transport to the start of your walk or back from the end of your walk, with a Queenstown track transport operator. Walks without parking facilities, or multi-day one-way walks mean you need to have transport organised at the track's end. 

Any of Queenstown's track transport operators will drop you off and pick you up at your preferred location, letting you enjoy your walking or hiking adventure without worrying about the safety of your parked vehicle, or the possibility of being stranded at the end of the track.

Ensure you are well prepared and safe

Some of the tracks in and around Queenstown may take you through an alpine environment that requires experience and appropriate equipment. If you’re not taking a guided trip, make sure you do your research and are well equipped with information and the appropriate gear. The Department of Conservation (DOC) website is a great source of track information and the latest trail conditions, you can also visit them at the DOC information centre in downtown Queenstown. You can find out more about safely hiking in New Zealand in the Adventure Smart website.

Find great tracks

Looking for information about the various walking trails around the region? Visit the Department of Conservation website for detailed information on our amazing trails.