Pack your hiking boots and puffy jacket because Queenstown’s snow?capped mountains, shimmering lakes and rivers, and lush countryside are calling. When touching down in Queenstown, it’s hard not to be excited by the landscape below.
The bird’s?eye view of the city – edging out onto Lake Wakatipu and backed by the Remarkables range – is a striking sight to behold. And that’s only scratching the surface of what awaits you in the South Island’s main port. A dream destination for adrenaline junkies, adventure lovers and those who crave nature escapes, ahead, we pinpoint six of the best Queenstown activities that all deliver a fix of the great outdoors.
Hike the Ben Lomond Track
Remember that view you spied through the plane window? Hiking the Ben Lomond trail is one of the most popular Queenstown activities for visitor and offers one of the best vantages to all that beauty (and the effort you exert will reward you with an envy?inducing snap). With the trailhead conveniently located less than five minutes’ drive from town, you can fuel up at a laneway or waterside cafe before tackling the challenging ascent, which rises to 1438 metres elevation over its course. Depending on how game you are, you have two options: complete the three? to four?hour return to the saddle, or continue climbing to the summit, which will be a full?day hike of between six and eight hours. Whichever you choose, the scramble will be worth it when you exhale and stare out across the craggy mountaintops.
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Go on the gondola
If you want to skip the huffing and puffing, but still enjoy a great view, hitch a ride on the Skyline Gondola, which rises through the treetops of Ben Lomond Reserve to Bob’s Peak. At 450 metres above Queenstown, you’ll have aspects of several famous summits, including the distinctive Remarkables range. Thrill?seeking cyclists will be excited by the lift’s access
to Queenstown Bike Park – strap your bike to the cable car’s side, and drop into 30 trails spanning 30?plus kilometres downhill.
Soak in the Onsen Hot Pools
After a big day of hiking, drive 10 minutes from Queenstown to Arthurs Point, where the Onsen Hot Pools invite soaking sore muscles while taking in a spectacular scene. With its lofty position overlooking Shotover River Canyon, the indoor?outdoor tubs are a more indulgent take on outdoor Queenstown activities and offer views of the valley’s aquamarine lake snaking between the cliffs. Schedule your swim for sunset to bathe in a sky streaked orange, purple and pink, or float in the pools by night to watch for constellations and shooting stars.
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Splash around Lake Wakatipu
The jewel of Queenstown’s magnificent landscape, Lake Wakatipu has magnetic energy, and you’re going to want to spend some time gazing out to its horizon. Take your pick of a steamship trip across its water, an easy walk or cycle along its pebbly shore, or even an enlivening summer swim (the water stays at a fresh 10?ish°C throughout the year). Water
sports such as stand?up paddle boarding and kayaking are also options, and fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for giant speckled trout. If you’d prefer your Queenstown activities to have a bit more pace, jump aboard a jet ski, or book a seat on the Hydro Attack, which will have you zipping in and out of the water in the belly of a shark-shaped submersible vessel.
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Geek out at Glenorchy
At the head of Lake Wakatipu, where the Dart River flows in on the northern side, Lord of the Rings fans can get a taste of Middle Earth on a jet boat, horseback, or from the seat of a 4WD. Glenorchy is around 45 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, but it’s a gorgeous car ride that will distract you from the time. Of course, unless you’re a die?hard fan of the franchise, there’s plenty of stunning scenery in and closer around Queenstown.
Picnic alongside Moke Lake
Along the road to Glenorchy and only 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown is the magical Moke Lake. Surrounded by mountains, and with a low?key loop track around its perimeter for you to hike or cycle, it’s the ideal place to spend a slow afternoon and take up some more leisurely Queenstown activities. Gather up some local cheeses, perhaps a bottle of Central Otago pinot noir, and bring along a blanket to spread out in the grasslands for a picture?perfect picnic.
Feature image: Photo by Samuel Ferrara on Unsplash
