Top Hiking

Framed by the New Zealand's famous Southern Alps, facing massive Lake Wakitipu and surrounded by other lakes, stunning rivers, and the saw-toothed Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown occupies what is arguably New Zealand's most scenic setting. Hiking in this natural splendor is absolutely mind-blowing. Some of the best hikes originate right in town, like the challenging Ben Lomond Trail, which kicks off at the top of the Skyline Gondola and rises some 5,700 feet. More serene (and flat) is the loop around Lake Hayes, which can be combined with lunch at Amisfield Winery. Or start in Queenstown's gorgeous Botanic Garden and begin the loop around Wakatipu (walking around the entire lake is a multi-day excursion – Wakatipu, New Zealand's third-largest lake, is 50 miles long) To get away from the tourist crowds, head to Moke Lake, a short drive outside of town, and hike the easy but gorgeous track. The Wakatipu area has many more options. A good website for researching the trail that's right for you is: www.wakatiputrails.co.nz.