Whether you’re looking to increase your fitness levels, or just get out into the great outdoors, Queenstown has a cornucopia of breathtaking trails for hiking and biking that suit every traveller.
Bike Trails
Lake Wakatipu Ride
Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1-2 hours | Distance: 15km
If you’re after some refreshing outdoor time, then this trail is for you. Get out an about and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Lake Wakatipu and its surrounds. This ride is nice and flat, perfect for families or novice riders who prefer to soak in the surroundings then break a sweat.
More info here.
Arrow River Bridges Ride
Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2-3 hours | Distance: 16km
Hop on your bike and travel through the sights and sounds of Arrow River. This is yet another easy ride, which weaves its way past quaint cottages and grazing horses, over magnificent bridges and transports you right to the gateway to wine country.
More info here.
Gibbston River Ride
Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 hours | Distance: 8.7km
Prepare to not be able to ride back from this one. This beautiful ride is perfect for foodies and wine-lovers, taking you through Queenstown’s famous ‘Valley of the Vines’, if you can resist popping into the surrounding wineries then you’ll be fine, otherwise prepare for some alternative transportation. Ride between restaurants and the region’s famous wineries for a truly spectacular foodie experience you will never forget.
More info here.
Hiking Trails
Jack’s Point
Time: 4 hours | Distance: 5.6km
A mere 18 minutes from Queenstown, Jack’s Point is the perfect place to take in the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu and mountain views over rolling hills and open grassland.
More info here.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Time: 3 hours | Distance: 4.2km
This Queenstown area has some of the most spectacular scenery and natural landscapes. Start off with a 500m climb through pine forest and come up at the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intesnse sacredness) where you can take in the serene beauty of the surrounding land.
More info here.
Ben Lomond
Time: 3-8 hours | 40km
On this trail you can choose to walk to Ben Lomond Saddle (3-4 hours return) or to Ben Lomond Summit (6-8 hours return). Travel through native beech forest on the One Mile Creek Walk or beautiful Douglas fir via the Skyline Access Road. This walk requires a decent level of fitness but the reward in unrivalled. On clear days you can spot Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea.
More info here.
