5 of the Best Day Hikes in Queenstown

5 Best Day Hikes in Queenstown, NZ

Whether you've got a spare two hours or a full day to burn, here are five of the best day hikes in Queenstown. Not sure what to bring? Start with our complete day hike packing checklist before you head out.

1. Ben Lomond Track: The Big One

Duration: 3–4 hrs return to the Saddle, or 6–8 hrs return to the Summit (advanced) 

Length: 11km return. 

If you only do one hike on this list properly, make it this one. With 1,438m of elevation gain, Ben Lomond is the toughest day hike in Queenstown and the reward is a genuine 360° panorama over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and, on a clear day, all the way to Aspiring. Ride the Skyline Gondola up to cut hours off the climb and save your legs for the summit push. Weather turns fast up here, so a jacket with a solid waterproof rating earns its keep and the right boots underfoot matter more here than on any other track on this list.

2. Queenstown Hill: Best for First Timers

Duration: 2–3 hrs Length: 4.8km return

Queenstown Hill is the most popular hike on this list for good reason: it starts right in town, wraps up in an afternoon, and still delivers a genuine view over the lake and town below. 

3. Moke Lake Loop: Best for Photos

Duration: 2–3 hrs Length: 6km loop

A gentle, undulating loop right around Moke Lake, ringed by mountains on every side. It's one of the more underrated walks near Queenstown quieter than the town-side tracks, and an easy add-on if you're driving out toward Glenorchy. Track details via DOC.

4. Twelve Mile Delta to Bob's Cove: Best for Summer

Duration: 2–4 hrs Length: 6.8km return

Hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu through native bush, this one's built for a hot day shade for most of the walk and a few swimming spots to cool off in. Full trail info here. It's also one of the sunnier, more exposed walks on the list, so it's worth knowing whether sunscreen or UPF clothing (or both) is the better call before you go.

Lake Alta

Duration: 1–2 hrs Length: 2.4km return Good to know: Access is via the ski road; a $10 toll applies. Check road status before you go.

Starting already 1,600m above sea level from the Remarkables car park, this is the shortest walk on the list and arguably the best view to effort ratio in Queenstown. The glacial lake at the top freezes over in winter, making it a completely different hike depending on the season. DOC track page.

Sun Protection on the Trail

Queenstown's alpine air feels cool, but UV levels in New Zealand are high year-round, and they climb with altitude, so exposed tracks like Ben Lomond and Lake Alta can burn you even on a cloudy day. That's where UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing comes in. A UPF rating tells you how much UV a fabric blocks, and a UPF 50+ garment blocks the vast majority of UV rays from reaching your skin. A long-sleeve UPF shirt, a wide-brimmed hat are perfect to wear for a day hike. For more information on UPF read our guide to UPF clothing vs sunscreen. 

A Few Common Questions

If you're after the easiest option, Queenstown Hill or Lake Alta are your best bet both take under 3 hours with minimal elevation gain relative to the payoff. At the other end of the scale, Ben Lomond Track to the summit is the hardest on this list, with 1,438m of elevation gain over a 6–8 hour return trip. 

Tag us @kathmandugear with your shots.

A few reminders before you head out:

• Always check DOC's website for current trail alerts and closures.

• Tell someone your plan including when to raise the alarm if you're not back.

• Pack for a full day: extra food, water, and a warm layer, even in summer.