Queenstown · QUEENSTOWN WALKING & HIKING TRAILS
Ben Lomond starts at the gondola and takes most of a day; the lakeside tracks take an hour. These 15 are sorted by how much climbing they ask for, with prices, transport and the seasons that close some of them.
Ride a 4WD quad bike up Queenstown Hill for sweeping lake views, guided trails, safety gear, refreshments, and hotel transfers.
“Such a great experience, Ben and Jordan were very welcoming and created a great vibe the whole trip. Unreal scenery along the whole way with awesome fun tracks. Would recommend again!”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard historic yacht Faith, enjoy afternoon tea, and take a guided forest walk to a mirror lake in Fiordland.
“We had the best time on the Yacht with Adam and Co. We had an infant with us and they were very friendly, accommodating and welcoming. It was the best tour that we had booked this trip, really worth going on small owner opRead more”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard 1935 yacht Faith, walk to a Hidden Lake, and enjoy canapés, drinks, and quiet Fiordland scenery.
“Oh my goodness, this was one of the top highlights of our three week trip to New Zealand. From the moment we boarded Faith and met Meghan and Adam, as well as Meghan’s daughters Jodi and Paige, we were comfortable and blown away by their hospitality, knowledge and welcoming personalities. There were only eight of us on the cruise, making for an intimate experience. The hike once we crossed the lake was educational and beautiful. The drinks and food they served were fabulous. They even enlisted several of us to help with the ropes and sails. Upon hearing the history of Faith, I felt like we became part of her…”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Stevensons Island for mountain views, a guided summit walk, local stories, and tea with a biscuit for $50.
“the boat trip was good & scenery beautiful. think your guide could do with some lessons.... strode off up bthe hill 5 metres ahead of everyone, never looked back to check people were ok very casual in his chat at the top & finally he needs to use deodorant”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided walk, rare buff weka, native tree planting, tea, and alpine views.
“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”
Combine an 11 km Milford Track walk with a two-hour Milford Sound cruise, waterfalls, wildlife, rainforest, and flexible departure times.
“Fun hike with enough time to enjoy the area. Plenty free parking at the boat launch. Boat trip was fun as well but the hike was our highlight.”
Review of Fiordland Jet’s Te Anau jet boat and nature walk, with Waiau River thrills, Lake Manapouri views, LOTR sites, and practical tips.
“The fast-driving jet,the scenery, the guide/jet operator.”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard a restored historic yacht, walk to the Hidden Lakes, enjoy tea, and sail through Fiordland with a small crew.
“The crew greeted us on the pier and welcomed us aboard. For the next 3 hours they saw to our every need/want and handled the yacht expertly. They were wonderful to share time and stories with, so knowledgable and so engaging Scenery is unsurpassed and the experience wad an absolute highlight. A treasure to be sure!”
Walk the Milford Track to Giant Gate Waterfall, then cruise Milford Sound by small boat with guides, wildlife views, and practical planning advice.
“Ben was a wonderful guide, very insightful and helpful. Learnt about the region and wouldn’t have been able to appreciate it as much as we did without his knowledge. Thanks for a fabulous day!! Highly recommend!!”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk, rare buff weka sightings, an alpine lake, and sweeping mountain views.
“Thank you Tim for the knowledgeable, insightful and awesome Mou Waho experience you provided us. We learned a lot about this unique and magnificent island with rich history and marvelous nature richness. We enjoyed the cruise on Lake Wanaka with astonishing views and breathtaking natural colors. We will certainly book a cruise+nature walk with you again when we shall return to NZ South Island and Wanaka. Alexandros+Artemis+Maria Elena”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island for rare birds, a guided hike, and the remarkable Arethusa Pool, with morning tea and park fees included.
“A lovely excursion. A lovely boat ride up the lake and then a walk up to the top of the island. It foes get zteep at the top but we enjoyed it.”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Stevensons Island for a guided summit walk, Southern Alps views, afternoon tea, and an easy two-hour outing.
“Very relaxing cruise and easy walk at the Island. But perhaps a bit more snacks can be offered for afternoon tea besides just few pieces of cookies and tea. :)”
Review the Milford Track water taxi from Te Anau Downs, including timing, group size, price, route details, value, and booking tips.
“Excellent water taxi service, comfortable boats which were on time. Plenty of time to relax at first Milford Track hut when using the 2pm shuttle. Great communication. We also booked car relocation through them (using Easy Hike), which was seemless service too.”
Review the Kepler Track Water Taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay, with practical tips on timing, hiking options, price, weather, and value.
“Great Service but would have liked to have had more options for those looking to hike up to Luxmore hut and back.”
Ride a helicopter to Luxmore Hut, hike alpine country and beech forest, then return to Te Anau by water taxi on this 7-hour Kepler Track tour.
“Fantastic guided hike on part of the Kepler track (about nine miles or 14 km total) with great views”
Pick a boat, a rotor, a track or a cellar door.
