5 best walks to do in the Queenstown Lakes

5 best walks to do in the Queenstown Lakes

We know you may have not considered blocking some time out for a short walk or day hike whilst visiting Queenstown. Sometimes there really is nothing better than getting out in nature, breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the beautiful scenery around you. There's always time to squeeze in some quality time with mother nature in between the adventure that Queenstown is well known for. The best part, the wilderness is everywhere here and all of our recommendations are minutes away. 

Our team (with the help of Queenstown locals) have put together a list of our 10 favourite short walks and day hikes in Queenstown. So lace up your boots, pick one of these walks and enjoy some of the best landscapes in the world.

Queenstown Hill Time Walk

Though this one is short at only 1.5km, don’t be fooled, it is steep! You’ll be rewarded for your effort though with 360* panoramic views which feature The Remarkables, Cecile Peak and of course Lake Wakatipu. You may be wondering why the name “time walk”, we’ll i'm glad you asked. It was designed to portray the past, present and future of Queenstown. There are 6 information stations about Queenstown's history which includes the present day status as adventure capital of the world, right back to Maori settlements and the Gold Rush.

Duration: 2.5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate fitness required
Location: Belfast Terrace, Queenstown Central

Lower Wye Creek Track

We’ll be honest, this one will get your heart rate going.We’ll also guarantee you'll be glad you ticked it off. Less than 10 minutes drive from us at Driftaway Queenstown, you’ll be treated to a hike through the forest and past a waterfall that meets lake Wakatipu down below. This track will take you to a pretty high vantage point with incredible panoramic views. Due to the nature of the steep rock faces near by, you may even see some rock climbers scaling the steep walls adjacent to the track.

Duration: 4 hours return
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Wye Creek Carpark

Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail

Conveniently located very close to Driftaway Queenstown, the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail is a great short walk for any ages and abilities. It is a loop track around the Queenstown Golf Course with views of Walter Peak and Frankton Arm.

Duration: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Peninsula Road and Grove Lane, Kelvin Heights

Moke Lake Loop Track 

Just 15 minutes short drive from Queenstown, this 2 hour easy loop track takes you right around the edge of Moke Lake. This spot is absolutely epic and it will be hard to believe you’re so close to town. Take a picnic with you to enjoy along with your stunning panoramic views!

Duration: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Moke Lake Reserve

Arrowtown River Trail

We’ve said it before and well say it again, no trip to Queenstown is complete without a drive out to Arrowtown. This leisurely 4.2km loop track takes you through beautiful woods and even past a waterfall. Autumn is my favourite, the colours of the leaves are like something out of a watercolour painting. Winter is beautiful too, the river forms Ice and the trees are decorated in ice crystals. As long as you rug up (and bring one of Patagonias famous Belgian hot chocolates with you), this is one for the photo album.

Duration: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Butlers Green, Central Arrowtown