Best Walks in and Around Queenstown

It’s no surprise to people living in and visiting Queenstown that it is a hikers haven. With a variety of half-day, day, and multi-day walks there’s something available for everyone’s comfort levels. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, so it’s refreshing to most that there are so many activities that can be done completely free!

While living in Queenstown I made it my own personal goal to get out and do as many walks as I could. After getting caught in a 3 week lockdown this gave me plenty of oppportunities to do so, so here’s the trails that I found to be the best…

Ben Lomond

14kms (11kms from Bob’s Peak) | 5-6hours (return)

• Good level of fitness required 
• Gradient: steep

One of the best hikes in Queenstown (and my personal favourite) has to be the Ben Lomond Summit trail. The hike is a challenging track through some of New Zealand’s incredible vegetation with a steep climb to the top. It’s the hardest but most rewarding hike in the area!

There are several starting points to this hike. My experience at Ben Lomond started at about 4-4:30am, winding up the bike trails of the One Mile Track. It was too dark to spot the waterfalls, but dark enough that we could see the multitude of blue glowworms beneath the scrub. We reached the summit just in time for sunrise and it was one of my favourite experiences of my entire time in New Zealand.

You can find out more about this walk here; Beginners Guide to the Ben Lomond Hike, Queenstown

Queenstown Gardens

3kms | 1.5hours (return)

• Difficulty: easy
• Gradient: flat

One of the easiest walks in town – it barely needs mentioning! Queenstown Gardens can be seen from anywhere around town, and the trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll with a fresh cup of coffee. 

Queenstown Hill

4.2kms | 2-3hours (return)

• Medium fitness required 
• Gradient: steep

The Queenstown Hill Track is undoubtedly the most popular hike in town. It’s easily accessible from the town centre and offers sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, Queenstown and beyond! It’s the perfect starting point for any journey to NZ’s adventure capital.

You can find out more about this walk here; Hiking the Queenstown Hill Track, New Zealand

One Mile Track & Waterfall

3-4kms | 1.5hours (return)

• Medium fitness required 
• Gradient: steep

The One Mile Creek Track is a well kept secret within Queenstown. While the waterfall cascades beside you, the trail leads through the lush vibrant Beech Forest and climbs up towards an undisturbed view over Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens and Kelvin Heights. It’s the perfect introduction to Queenstown without the hassle of bee-lining through tourists. If you’re up for it, after dark you can also spot some of New Zealand’s famous glow worms on this walk!

You can find out more about this walk here; The One Mile Creek Track & Waterfall, Queenstown

Sunshine Bay Track

4kms | 2hours (return)

• Difficulty: easy
• Gradient: flat

The Sunshine Bay Track is an easy 4 kilometre return hike starting from just outside of town towards Sunshine Bay Beach. The trail follows the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is a popular running trail as the track is relatively flat the entire way. 

Lower Wye Creek Track

16.6 km | 4hours (return)

• Medium fitness required 
• Difficulty: intermediate 

Located on the west face of the Remarkables mountain range, Wye Creek is a 16-7km track that trails through the beech forest and up towards vast vistas overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Bayonet Peaks. It follows along the stream passing stunning waterfalls and views before heading towards Lower Wye Creek basin. 

Frankton Track (Frankton Arm)

7.3kms | 1.5-2hours (one way)

• Difficulty: easy
• Gradient: flat

A favourite for Queenstown locals, the Frankton Track is a flat 7 kilometre route that skirts along Lake Wakatipu. As it resembles a flat unsealed road it is also popular for fitness purposes and cycling. The walk can generally start wherever you want it to, either from Frankton Beach or from the centre of town (with the optional route including the Queenstown Gardens). 

Tiki Trail

2.1kms | 1hours (one way)

• Medium fitness required 
• Gradient: steep

Starting at the gondola base, the trail switchbacks up through the pine forest until it reaches Bob’s Peak. Though it’s one of the shortest walks in town, it’s not the easiest. Over the 1.5kms you do still have to hike up to 450 metres in elevation! 

Lake Hayes Walkway

8kms | 1-2hours (circuit)

• Medium fitness required 
• Difficulty: intermediate 

Perfect on a clear sunny day, the lake provides undisturbed reflections of the mountains. A popular walking trail for locals and dog walkers, this track is a very easy journey. The trail is flat for the entire route so it’s a stunning walk, but not at all challenging. 

Arrow River Trail

4.2kms | 1hour (return)

• Difficulty: easy
• Gradient: flat

If you’re visiting Arrowtown, this walk is arguably done best amongst the Autumn colours. The Arrow River Trail is the easiest, and most popular of the walks around Arrowtown as it is easily accessible from the main street. The walk itself can be done however you like, as there are various routes and alternatives. The actual Arrow River Trail takes you across the bridge and along the Arrow Irrigation Pipeline. 

Mount Crichton Loop Track

6kms | 2.5hours (Circuit)

• Medium fitness required 
• Difficulty: intermediate 

The Mount Crichton Loop Track is a relatively easy 8km hike located just 15minutes along the iconic Queenstown to Glenorchy scenic drive. My favourite part about this walk is that it’s practically hidden to tourists. It’s a little bit off-the-beaten track, so it’s never very busy. The trail starts off (assuming you go clockwise) heading up through the bush towards Sam Summer’s Hut and the unofficially named Twelve Mile Creek Falls. The way down opens up a lot more offering more mountainous views and a look over Lake Dispute. 

You can find out more about this walk here; Beginners Guide to the Mt Crichton Loop Track, Queenstown

Bob’s Cove Track

2kms | 30mins (circuit)

• Medium fitness required 
• Difficulty: easy

A very easy but beautiful trail. From the carpark it’s only a 20-30minute walk with added time to take in the view from the peak. The peak has spectacular views over the Lake and Bob’s Cove where plenty of people love to bask in the sun. On the way down it’s also worth stopping by the dock for a jump into the chilly water!

Jack’s Point Track

7kms | 2hours (one way)

• Medium fitness required 
• Difficulty: intermediate 

The Jack’s Point track is a walk that follows alongside the golf-course with incredible lake and mountain views over the undisturbed grassland. 

Which walk in and around Queenstown is your favourite? Let me know in the comments or DM me on Insta!