Walking in Queenstown is often regarded as one of the best activities because of the great hiking destinations in the city. The scenery usually varies, and you can pick the landscape of your choice. There are plenty of places to walk in Queenstown, from high rising mountains to wild rivers, beautiful waterfalls.
Let’s take a look at the ten best trails for walking in Queenstown!
1. Queenstown Garden and CBD cafe Shopping Trail
Queenstown garden is a beautiful spot where flora and fauna blossoms throughout the year and the park is also equipped with slopes for people on wheelchairs who can also enjoy the beauty. One can enjoy the exquisite rose gardens, or play a round of frisbee, and as the evening approaches, take a walk along the lake Wakatipu. There are plenty of shops around the area where one can buy memorable souvenirs.The whole length of the walk is 3.1 km that takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Walks around the garden are considered easy and can be walked by anyone.
2. Frankton Arm Walkway
This is another relatively flat trail around the lake Wakatipu that is also equipped with facilities to make it wheelchair friendly. Shadows of the lakeside houses on the sparkling waters of the lake create a stunning view to be enjoyed by the walkers. This trail is a long one as the total area it is spanned across is 10 km, which requires somewhere around 3 hours to complete, but this is undoubtedly spots for walking in Queenstown.3. Sunshine Bay Track
If you are looking for a change of perspective, then, by all means, head out to sunshine bay track towards Glenorchy. This is one of the best trails for walking in Queenstown and gives spectacular views of Cecil across the lake and the Walter Peak. Wave to the travellers onboard the many steam vessels embarking on a journey to take a better look at the peak. Don’t forget to explore the side trail that leads to Two Mile creek falls and take pictures near the waterfall located there.The track’s length is 3 km that takes around an hour to complete, and the difficulty of this one is considered to range from easy to moderate.
4. The Queenstown Hill Loop
This trail will test your legs’ strength as you trek through the pine forest to reach the Basket of Dreams sculpture sculpted by Caroline Robinson. This is one of the most trekked walks as it offers a complete view of Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown Bay, Cecil Peak, and the Frankton Arm. But to enjoy this view, one has to have some extra strength in their legs as it is even 0.5 km further up.The trail is around 2 km long that takes about an hour to complete, and this is not an easy walk to do; hence make sure to wear sturdy shoes.
5. The Tiki Trail
If you are looking for a walk that tests your stamina and motivation and offers some of the best views, then go for the Tiki Trail that finishes at the Gondola building. You can either come down after walking through halfway and getting your pictures clicked or make it to the end for a feeling of achievement.The total length of the trail is 2.1 km and takes about one hour to complete.
6. Ben Lomond Walkway
This is a full-day trip, so be prepared mentally and physically; compared to the Ben Lomond Walkway, the Tiki Trail is just a warm-up. After climbing almost 800 m, you finally get clear from the pines and walk among the alpine tussock and shrubs. The Ben Lomond station is at 1326 m, and further above the Ben Lomond summit is at 1748 m. if the sky is clear, you might be able to get a good view of Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring.The trail’s total length is 11 km, where 3-4 hours to reach the station and 6-8 hours to reach the summit. Be well prepared for ice and snow, as this is not a challenging walk.
7. Lake Hayes Loop
Probably one of the most picturesque locations for walking in Queenstown is encircled by this trail. If the weather is clear and the water surface is flat, the reflection of the willow trees and the lake houses is just magical. The trail’s total length is around 8 km that requires approximately 2-3 hours to complete; it is a remarkable experience as you walk along the ridgeline.
8. Arrow River Trail
The trail starts in the historic Arrowtown and is a must-visit for any traveler passing through Queenstown. The arrow river walk begins in Arrowtown’s west region, then follows the irrigation pipe laid along the river. The pipeline goes past the Sawpit Gully, then to the Norman Smith footbridge ending at Macetown.The total length of the track is 4.2 km, and as the way is relatively easy to walk across, it takes only an hour to complete.
9. Tobin’s Track
This trail is a relatively easy track and can be quickly climbed above Arrowtown up to the edge of Crown Terrace. Join the locals in this fun expedition as they use this trail for a good morning walk or workout track. This place looks like a heaven on earth in the summer as the sun’s last rays fall here along the Wakatipu Basin.The total length of this track is around 6.6 km and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. The difficulty of this track is on the moderate level, hence pack accordingly.
10. Sawpit Gully
This trail is for walkers who need a little challenge in their course. Sawpit Gully is an elevated hiking track that requires walkers to break a sweat. There is a steady climb from the Chinese area in Arrowtown to the river trail; there are areas where a constant stream flows, so wear waterproof boots.The track’s total length is 7.9 km and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, and is not easy to achieve.
The city is well known for the trails for walking in Queenstown and it offers a range of trails from steep difficult terrains to flat easy trails you can choose the one that’s suitable for you. Keep your laces tight and without any delay go on any of the above-mentioned walks for a fun time.