Queenstown is a place where every step rewards you with a view. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed wander along the lakefront or a challenging full-day hike into alpine terrain, you don’t need to travel far from town to find a track that suits you. From flat, easy strolls perfect for families or those short on time, to leg-burning climbs with views you’ll never forget, there’s something for everyone. All of the walks below begin in or very close to Queenstown township, making them easy to fit into your stay.

Easy Walks

1. Queenstown Gardens Loop

A peaceful lakeside walk circling Queenstown Gardens. You’ll enjoy views across Lake Whakatipu and through a mix of exotic and native trees, with plenty of spots to pause and admire the scenery. There are benches, sculptures, and even a frisbee golf course along the way. Queenstown gardens is only a 5 minute walk from Heartland Hotel and Scenic Suites Queenstown.

  • Time/Distance: 30–45 minutes, 2 km loop

  • Fitness: Easy, suitable for all ages

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes

2. Frankton Arm Walkway (to Frankton Beach)

This scenic trail begins at the lakefront in Queenstown and follows the shoreline all the way to Frankton. It’s a flat and family-friendly path, popular with walkers and cyclists, offering constant lake and mountain views. Perfect for an evening stroll.

  • Time/Distance: Around 1 hour one way, 4 km (or 2 hours / 8km return)

  • Fitness: Easy, flat lakeside path

  • Footwear: Walking shoes or sneakers

Medium Difficulty Walks

3. Queenstown Hill Time Walk

A short but rewarding climb starting near town, winding up through pine forest and opening onto spectacular viewpoints. The Basket of Dreams sculpture makes a perfect rest stop before continuing to the summit for panoramic views of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Frankton Arm and Queenstown Bay. Can be a little muddy in spring and there will be ice and snow in winter. Trail starts from Belfast Terrace not too far from Heartland Hotel and Scenic Suites Queenstown.

  • Time/Distance: 2–3 hours return, 4.8 km (400m elevation gain)

  • Fitness: Moderate but is a steady uphill climb

  • Footwear: Walking shoes or light hiking shoes (I recommend something with a good tread)

4. Sunshine Bay Track

Beginning at the far end of Queenstown Bay, this track hugs the lakeshore through native bush to the secluded Sunshine Bay beach. It’s a quieter option with plenty of photo opportunities and a peaceful picnic spot at the turnaround point. Excellent if you have little ones with you and you don’t want to venture too far.

  • Time/Distance: 2 hours return, 7 km

  • Fitness: Moderate, mostly flat.

  • Footwear: Walking shoes

Challenging Day Hikes Near Queenstown

5. Lakeside Trail (aka Jack’s Point Track)

Jacks Point is about a 20 minute drive from Queenstown village. Starting from Jardine Park or Jack’s Point Clubhouse, this track undulates through farmland and tussock hills with unbeatable views over Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkables. While easier than Ben Lomond, it’s still demanding in places, so bring water and snacks (food and beverages are available at Jack’s Point Clubhouse if you’d like to incorporate this into your plan). The trail is shared with mountain bikers so please be aware of this.

  • Time/Distance: 4-5 hours return, 14 km

  • Fitness: Moderate, sustained hills (track is quite exposed so can very hot in summer – take plenty of water)

  • Footwear: Good walking or hiking shoes, track is well maintained and dry in summer

6. Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond is one of Queenstown’s most iconic day hikes with spectacular views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and more. There are a couple of places you can technically start this trail from depending on how much time (and energy) you have.

The shortest route is by starting with a gentle ride up the Skyline Gondola from Brecon street to the start of the trail which starts near the track climbs steadily through forest and alpine tussock to reach the 1,748m summit. The views from the top stretch across the Southern Alps and deep into Fiordland. Allow a full day, take plenty of food and water, and check weather conditions – snow and ice are possible outside summer. The best time to enjoy this track is October through to April / May.

  • Time/Distance: 3-4 hours return to Ben Lomond Saddle; 5-7 hours return to Ben Lomond Summit, approx. 11 km and 1000m elevation gain (if starting at the top of the gondola). Alternatively you can connect to this track from the bottom of the Gondola taking the Tiki Track up to the trailhead (it adds another 4km and 400m elevation) or from One Mile Car Park just out of the village.

  • Fitness: Hard – full day alpine hike

  • Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots/trail shoes are essential, hiking poles help with the steep ascents and descents

Need to Know

  • Weather: Conditions in Queenstown can change quickly – always check the forecast before you go.

  • Supplies: Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers (even on shorter walks). A raincoat/wind breaker is a must if going above alpine level.

  • Safety: Tell someone your plans for longer hikes, and stick to marked trails. For any walks into alpine areas (typically above 1000m) and where mobile phone signal may be intermittent or unavailable we recommend you hire a personal locator beacon (PLB) from a number of outdoor gear stores in Queenstown. This can be activated in the event you are injured, lost or if your life is in danger due to a sudden weather change.

  • Footwear: Walking shoes are fine for gentle and medium walks; hiking boots are best for full-day or steeper tracks.

Whether you’re here for a gentle lakeside stroll or ready to conquer Ben Lomond, Queenstown offers walking tracks for every pace and passion.