This is part one of a two-part series of hiking in New Zealand.

Beautiful and diverse New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, with a range of trails to suit all levels of fitness and experience. From easy walks to multi-day hikes, New Zealand offers some of the most stunning scenery in Australasia. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and unique culture, attracting millions of visitors every year. The southern part of the island, particularly Queenstown and Wanaka, offer visitors a range of activities and experiences that make it a very popular destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and foodies alike.

One of the main reasons to visit New Zealand is just for its natural beauty. The country is home to a wide range of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning lakes. The southern part of the island is particularly famous for its scenic beauty, offering visitors the chance to explore the stunning Fiordland National Park, hike in the Southern Alps, and cruise along Milford Sound.

New Zealand is also known for its adventure sports and attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world, who come to experience the adrenaline rush of these activities. Queenstown and Wanaka are two of my favorites in New Zealand and each are particularly known for their range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, skydiving, mountain biking, and hiking.

This post is the first post of a two-part series of hiking in New Zealand. Today’s post focuses on Queenstown. Next week will be hiking in Wanaka.

Hiking in Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque resort town located in the southwest of New Zealand with an urban population of 15,800. Known for its stunning alpine scenery and adventure sports, Queenstown attracts millions of tourists every year. The town skirts around Queenstown Bay, an inlet on the glacier-made Lake Wakatipu, with views of nearby mountains, such as The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Queenstown and its surroundings. With a plethora of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, Queenstown offers something for everyone. In this blog, I will share four of the hiking trails in Queenstown.

Queenstown Hill Time Walk: The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is located just outside of Queenstown town center and is a relatively easy hike that offers spectacular views of the town, the surrounding mountains, and the lake. The starting point of the walk is only a 5-10-minute drive or a 30-40-minute walk from the town center. If you are driving, you can park your car at the designated car park at the beginning of the walk, which is located on Belfast Terrace. If you prefer to walk, you can follow the Queenstown Trail, which is a scenic walkway that runs alongside the lake and leads to the beginning of the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. The trail is well-maintained and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. It takes about 2-3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 5 km, a little over 3 miles. At the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown.

Ben Lomond Track: The Ben Lomond Track is a challenging hike that requires a moderate to high level of fitness, as it involves steep inclines, rocky terrain, and some sections of scrambling but rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Alps, the Remarkables, the Wakatipu Basin, and the alpine landscapes of the Queenstown region. The trail starts at the Skyline Gondola and is approximately 11 km long, taking about 6-8 hours to complete. The best time to attempt the hike is during the summer months (December to February), as the weather is generally more stable and the daylight hours are longer. Due to the high altitude, hikers need to be well-prepared for sudden weather changes, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, causing the track to become slippery and treacherous. It is also important to bring enough water, food, warm clothing, and sunscreen, as there are no facilities or shops along the track.

Bob’s Peak Trail: If you’re looking for a picturesque hiking trail with rewarding views in Queenstown, the Bob’s Peak Trail is a great option. This popular 5 km trail commences at the base of the Skyline Gondola and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. As you make your way up the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the majestic mountains that encircle the town. Once you reach the summit of Bob’s Peak, take a well-deserved break at the Skyline Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink while admiring the panoramic views that stretch out before you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Bob’s Peak Trail is a must-visit destination in Queenstown.

Routeburn Track: The Routeburn Track is a multi-day hiking adventure that leads you through some of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine scenery. This track spans over 32 km and typically takes around 2-3 days to complete, starting from the Routeburn Shelter and finishing near Milford Sound at the Divide. The trail takes you through a range of diverse landscapes, including picturesque alpine meadows, dense beech forests, and awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains. However, hikers should be aware that this hike requires good preparation, as the weather can change rapidly, and the trail can become slippery, especially during the winter months. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure, the Routeburn Track is an excellent choice to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Traveling to Queenstown

Queenstown is well-connected by air, road, and bus. The nearest international airport is Queenstown International Airport, which is located just a 10-minute drive from the town center. Several airlines operate flights to Queenstown from major cities in New Zealand and Australia. Alternatively, you can also take a bus or drive to Queenstown from other parts of New Zealand.

Accommodation Recommendations in Queenstown

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Queenstown. The hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu and features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

QT Queenstown is a trendy hotel located in the heart of Queenstown. The hotel offers stylish rooms and suites, as well as an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center. QT Queenstown is located just a short walk from the town center and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments is a luxurious hotel located just outside of Queenstown. The hotel offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. The Rees also offers a range of luxury apartments for those looking for a more private and spacious option.

Restaurant Recommendations in Queenstown

Fergburger is a legendary Queenstown eatery that has become a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the town. The restaurant serves delicious burgers made with locally sourced ingredients, including New Zealand beef and lamb. Fergburger has a range of options to choose from, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Madam Woo is a popular Malaysian restaurant located in the heart of Queenstown. The restaurant serves delicious Southeast Asian cuisine, including noodle dishes, curries, and stir-fries. Madam Woo has a lively atmosphere and a great selection of cocktails and drinks.

The Bunker is a cozy and intimate restaurant located in the heart of Queenstown. The restaurant specializes in contemporary New Zealand cuisine and features an extensive wine list. The Bunker offers a fine dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Additional Activities in Queenstown

Skydiving: Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and one of the most popular activities is skydiving. Skydiving over the stunning scenery of Queenstown is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Cruising: Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand and is located just a few hours’ drive from Queenstown or a few minutes by flight. Taking a Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area. The cruise takes you through the stunning fiord, where you’ll see waterfalls, dolphins, seals, and other wildlife.

Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping was invented in Queenstown, so it’s no surprise that there are several bungee jumping locations in the area. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, bungee jumping in Queenstown is an adrenaline-fueled activity that will get your heart racing.

Visit this site next week for part of hiking in New Zealand. Next week will focus on trails in Wanaka.

So, pack your bags, hit the trails, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand. Until the next fitness travel post!

Embark. Explore. Experience.
Adriana