Queenstown walking tracks
Whether it's a leisurely stroll around the lakefront for stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range or a heart racing hike up Ben Lomond for 360 degree views, there's a walk to suit all ages and fitness levels. And it's a great way to see the region and get acqainted with New Zealand's back yard.
Some of our favourites are:
Queenstown Hill - it's a steep climb from the town centre through a pine forest but you are rewarded with a great view and know you have earned your pint or pinot. This one is Zoe's favourite.
Lake Hayes track - Chris loves this - it's equally good for walking or biking. A round trip from any starting point but if you're driving it's best to park at Lake Hayes Pavilion or the Reserve at the end of the lake. Mirror views are superb from any angle on a still day and you are close to both Akarua and Amisfield wine tasting rooms, so make sure you leave time to visit one or both!
Arrowtown walking tracks
If you're visiting or staying in picturesque Arrowtown there are a number of well signposted tracks starting from the river track below the historic main street. Our favourite is Saw-Pit Gully - a 2.5 hour loop track that takes you out behind the hills of Arrowtown with gorgeous views of lake hayes and Millbrook between the hills - this has some steep bits and is out of cell-phone range for much of it, but well worth the time. If you prefer a more leisurely walk a walking track takes you along the Arrow river where you can cross over and either do a loop walk or tackle the blood pumping Tobins Track to the top of the Crown Terrace with a great view out over Arrowtown.
Check out the link to a booklet below for details on these and other hikes in and around Queenstown.
Be prepared
Wherever you decide to walk you should be prepared for inclement weather so always take a jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes. A bottle of water is a must as well as plenty of sunscreen and a hat when the sun's out. For hiking into the surrounding mountains for more than 3 hours, a more detailed equipment list is recommended including a first aid kit, food, water and warm clothing - click here to see our recommended clothing list.
Cell phone coverage can be patchy in the hills, so always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
Regardless of whether you want to hike with a guide or on your own add a walk into your Queenstown itinerary at any time of the year - Destination Queenstown's website gives a range of operators for outdoor activities, and the Department of Conservation has put out a great booklet detailing the walks in Queenstown and the greater Wakatipu region.
Destination Fiordland also has great information about walks in Te Anau and on the Milford Road to Milford Sound.