Explore Queenstown on foot, with trails for every boot size
One of the most rewarding ways to experience this corner of the globe is on foot, whether you’re planning a morning stroll or multi-day adventure. Queenstown is near to three of New Zealand's Great Walks, two national parks and a stunning collection of short walks, day walks, and multi-day hikes.
See our collection of the best walks in Queenstown, plus transport, gear suppliers and guided tours. Planning a few days on the tracks? Find accommodation close to the walks, from central Queenstown to Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
Before heading out on your outdoor adventure, visit the Queenstown Department of Conservation for up-to-date information on mountain safety and track conditions, and the Mountain Safety Council for practical tips and planning advice. For more information on hiking tracks and activities in the lower South Island, visit the Fiordland website.
Three of New Zealand’s celebrated Great Walks are accessible from Queenstown; the Routeburn, Milford Track and the Kepler. These Great Walks are New Zealand’s best hikes, awe inspiring adventures on tracks through pristine wilderness.
Going hiking around Queenstown means immersing yourself in one of the most rugged corners of the world. So what do you need to do to plan for your trip?
If you love hiking and exploring outdoors, Te Wāhipounamu Southwest UNESCO World Heritage Area is only an hour from Queenstown on Glenorchy’s doorstep.
Situated a scenic 45 minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a lush green paradise surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Glenorchy is a hiker's dream no…
Located a stunning 20-minute drive from Queenstown’s CBD, Arrowtown has a range of different walking tracks to suit all fitness levels and curiosity types with…
There are many incredible multi-day hiking adventures accessible from Queenstown, and there’s never been a better time to start exploring. So which should be…
FAQs
Where should I stay for walking in Queenstown?
It depends on which walks you're doing. Stay in central Queenstown and you can walk to the start of Ben Lomond, the Tiki Trail and Queenstown Hill. Glenorchy puts you close to the lagoon walkway, Bob's Cove on the way there, and the Routeburn Track trailhead. Arrowtown has its own network of riverside and hill walks right on the doorstep. If you're doing the Milford or Kepler tracks, both start near Te Anau, about 2 hours' drive from Queenstown. Find accommodation to suit your plans.
How do I get to the Great Walks from Queenstown?
The Routeburn starts beyond Glenorchy, and the Milford and Kepler tracks start near Te Anau. Scheduled buses and hiker shuttles run from Queenstown to Te Anau. Shuttle operators also offer round trips to the trailheads, plus vehicle relocation if you're driving. There's no mobile coverage on the tracks or at the car parks, so book your track transport before you leave. You'll need to book huts and campsites through DOC in the Great Walks season, which runs from late October to late April.
Can I do a guided walk in Queenstown?
Yes. Guides lead everything from half-day walks near town to multi-day trips on the Routeburn and Milford Track. A guided walk means someone else handles the route, the safety planning and often the food and accommodation. All you need to do is walk and enjoy the scenery. It's a good option if you're new to hiking, short on time or want to learn about the area as you go with knowledgeable locals. See guided walks and hikes.
What are the best short walks in Queenstown?
You don't need a full day to get out on a track. The Tiki Trail takes about an hour and starts just off Brecon Street in town. Bob's Cove, 14 km along the Glenorchy road, is a 20-minute walk to the water, with a 3 km loop if you want more. In Glenorchy, the lagoon walkway takes 1 to 2 hours, with birdlife and mountain views. Arrowtown has riverside trails for all abilities. See all short walks.
Can you walk in Queenstown all year?
Yes. Many lower-level walks around Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy can be done in any season. Higher tracks are different. Snow and ice can make alpine routes like Ben Lomond much harder, and most need extra gear and experience. Outside the Great Walks season, facilities on those tracks are reduced and conditions can be more serious. Whatever time of year you visit, check track conditions with DOC and the forecast with MetService before you go.
What should I pack and check before a walk?
Check the forecast and the route, and make sure everyone in your group has the fitness and gear for it. For a short walk, bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, a hat and gloves, sunscreen, a torch, and extra food and water. For a long day or an overnight walk, add a first aid kit, emergency shelter and a personal locator beacon (PLB), which you can hire in Queenstown. Tell someone your plans using Plan My Walk, and be ready to turn back if conditions change. Hire hiking gear and read our outdoor safety guide.
