Discover the Queenstown Lakes District

In the Queenstown Lakes District, spectacular hiking landscapes meet lakes and places with a layered history. The difference between a challenging, full-day hike and a shorter loop also makes the region interesting for planning your day. Added to this are a public space in central Queenstown and heritage sites connected with the gold rush and the region’s history.

Hiking trails with different time requirements

The Ben Lomond Track is a challenging full-day hike from Queenstown, with 1,438 metres of elevation gain. Along the way, the route offers panoramic views across Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. Alpine conditions can vary; allow enough time and check the latest track updates before setting out.

There are four access points for the Ben Lomond Track: the Tiki Trail beside the Skyline Gondola station on Brecon Street, Skyline Access Road on Lomond Crescent, One Mile Creek Track at the Fernhill roundabout, and the Skyline Gondola. The different access points are a helpful guide when planning where to start your hike.

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk offers a different time commitment: it starts on Belfast Street and takes two to three hours, including the return to the car park. Highlights along the way include views and the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture. For a trip with children, the contrast with the full-day Ben Lomond Track provides a practical guide for planning your day; the time estimates help you consider the hikes as different kinds of outings.

The Moke Lake Loop Track circles the lake through grassland surrounded by mountains. From Queenstown, the track is accessible via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road. Road conditions can vary, so check them before driving.

Along the Hāwea River, the Hāwea River Track connects Albert Town with Hāwea and forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. The path passes through kānuka scrub and open plains before following the river upstream to Domain Road. Access parking is available at Albert Town Campground and on Domain Road. The landscape along the way thus changes from open terrain to a route beside the river.

Lakes, town and history

The Queenstown Lakes District includes three main lakes: Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. They are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. Water activities therefore add a distinct focus to planning your stay, alongside hiking.

In central Queenstown, Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens is an important public space for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy. A visit to the Lakes District Museum offers insight into the region’s history: it tells the story of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District. The collection includes artefacts, photographs and films about the region’s Māori and Chinese settlers, as well as the pioneering gold rush.

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement also recalls the goldfields of Central Otago. It is a Category 2 public historic site and the last relatively intact Chinese settlement in Otago. The region therefore brings different historical perspectives together: the history of the gold rush and the Chinese presence on the goldfields.

In the Matukituki Valley, within the Queenstown Lakes District, Mount Aspiring National Park offers day hikes across farmland and through beech forest. It also provides access to challenging trekking and climbing routes. Hazards on alpine routes can vary depending on the season.

Next, consider whether hiking, lakes and river landscapes, or historic sites will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Arrowtown, Speargrass Flat, Queenstown, Wanaka, Glenorchy, Cardrona, Makarora, Arthurs Point, Lower Shotover, Kingston, Moonlight, Gibbston, Lake Hayes, Closeburn, Mount Nicholas, Hawea Flat, Dingle Burn, Albert Town.

For the broader travel overview: Otago.