Living in Queenstown undoubtedly ruined hiking in the rest of the world for me. I could walk out my front door and within four hours be enjoying a picnic atop a mountain. The trails are super well-maintained and clearly marked, they’re never that crowded, and the scenery is ridiculously beautiful. There are waterfalls, dramatic valleys, and forests alive with birdsong.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best classic hikes in Queenstown. These are the most popular and easiest to access, but don’t let that fool you—they’re neither overly easy nor overcrowded.

Before diving into the hikes, I’ll cover how to make the most of AllTrails and share a few hazards to watch for when hiking in Queenstown.

Or, skip straight to the trails!

AllTrails Hikes in Queenstown

There’s a paid version (around $20 per year) that allows you to download maps for offline use, which comes in very handy considering data is pretty much non-existent on the trail. There’s a free trial that I’d definitely recommend getting—better safe than lost in the bush!

Download AllTrails App

Things to Know About Hiking in Queenstown

I’m assuming you already know the basics of hiking safety—wearing appropriate gear, letting someone know your plans, carrying enough water, and so on. So, instead of rehashing the essentials, here are a few Queenstown-specific tips:

Weather can turn in an instant: New Zealand is notorious for having four seasons in one day. Just because it’s sunny when you’re leaving for the hike doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way. Always check the weather and bring a few extra layers.

Stick to the trail: It’s tempting to wander off for a closer look at a waterfall or river, but it’s surprisingly easy to lose your way. Even experienced hikers can end up lost here. The trails on this list are well-marked, so play it safe and stay on track.

Walk on the left: Just like driving, it’s customary to stick to the left when passing hikers going the other way. No one will be upset if you forget, but it’s always nice to embrace local customs.

Want to treat yourself after a challenging hike? Consider booking one of these Queenstown food tours!

Best Queenstown Hikes

Now for the good stuff!

1. Ben Lomond

A classic but challenging trek to the roof of Queenstown

Distance: 15 km
Time: 5 – 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,446 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 0 minutes

How to get there: The trail to the summit of Ben Lomond begins at the base of the Skyline Gondola. There’s a parking garage nearby, or you can walk to the start if you’re staying in town. 

About the trail: In terms of reward for effort, Ben Lomond easily tops the chart for Queenstown hikes. Within three hours, you’ll be standing 1,748 meters above sea level, with Lake Whakatipu sprawling below and the Southern Alps stretching into the distance.

The trail starts in a dense, shadowy forest, skirts past the gondola, and continues upward along switchbacks and an exposed ridgeline. The best views are behind you, so take a moment to turn around and soak them in.

Once you reach the saddle, it’s a final 40 minutes of steep, hands-on hiking to the summit.

Best for: Experienced hikers eager for a big mission without leaving town.

Love hiking? Find out whether Wanaka or Queenstown is the better base!

2. Moonlight Track

Sheep, valleys, river views, and single-track fun on an out-and-back trail

Distance: 9.7 km
Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 536 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 10 minutes by car

How to get there: The trail starts at the end of a long dead end in Arthurs Point and is accessible by car or bus with some walking. By car, follow Google Maps directions to the Moonlight Track Trailhead. If you’re traveling by bus, take route 2 and get off at the McChesney Rd stop. From there, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the trailhead.

About the trail: This is hands down my favorite trail in Queenstown—50% because I love sheep and 50% because it’s quiet and gorgeous. After about 30 minutes of a gentle climb through the forest, the trail opens up to spectacular views over the Shotover River. From here, the scenery just keeps delivering: Mount Dewar, the rushing river below, and the rugged Southern Alps in the distance.

The trail also passes through a working station, which means there are plenty of sheep (and mountain goats) to gawk at. October is especially a great month to tackle this trail as the wee lambs will be out and about bouncing around.

I recommend turning around when you reach the fork that leads to Ben Lomond or Moke Lake. However, if you want to turn it into more of a mission, check out my other post: Best Hikes in Queenstown: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Edition.

Best for: Intermediate hikers who love quiet trails, stunning views, and adorable distractions.

3. Little Wye Creek

A short, steep hike with waterfalls and an unbeatable picnic spot

Distance: 4 km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Elevation gain: 332 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 25 minutes

How to get there: This trail is reachable only by car and is a 25-minute drive from Queenstown. Set your GPS to the Little Wye Creek carpark and follow State Highway 6. When you turn off the highway, you’ll need to open a gate and then close it behind you.

About the trail: The start of this trail is a bit of a slog on a gravel 4WD road, but after 20 minutes, you’ll reach the true trailhead and that’s where the fun really begins. For the next 40 minutes or so, it’s a bit of a muddy scramble up and over rocks until you reach a small dam. From here, follow the fork to the right, which will bring you on an elevated trail set on an old water pipe. Eventually, you’ll reach a pretty impressive waterfall and if you look up, there’s a helipad that’s perfect for a picnic before heading back down.

Best for: Adventurous hikers seeking a short but scenic trail with great picnic potential.

4. Sawpit Gully

Moderate loop track in Arrowtown with creek crossings, forests, and a valley

Distance: 7.9 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation gain: 412 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 20 minutes

How to get there: If you’re driving, Arrowtown is about 20 minutes from Queenstown. The best parking is here, just a short walk from the trailhead. Taking the bus? Hop on Bus 2 and get off at the Ramshaw Lane stop, also a few minutes walk from the trailhead.

About the trail: If Ben Lomond is the quintessential hike in Queenstown, then Sawpit Gully is the equivalent in Arrowtown—although, much shorter. You can tackle it in either direction, but I personally think going counterclockwise is best (the opposite as AllTrails shows) as you get the steep portion out of the way first and then are treated to a gentler descent.

Throughout, the trail winds up through forest, into a golden-hued valley, and down alongside a creek where you’ll have to hop across a few times. It’s mostly a single track with a few wider sections as well. When you’re finished, pop into The Fork and Tap for a beer!

Best for: Hikers craving a picturesque loop without a full-day commitment.

5. Moke Lake

Easy loop with serene lake and valley views

Distance: 6.9 km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Elevation gain: 173 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 30 minutes

How to get there: Moke Lake is about a 30-minute drive from Queenstown and only accessible by car. Follow Google Maps directions to the Moke Lake Carpark, where the loop trail begins.

About the trail: This is one of the least technical trails on the last, and in Queenstown terms, is quite flat. Even so, it’s well worth the effort, and even the drive out there is part of the adventure.

The trail more or less follows a path around the horseshoe-shaped Moke Lake. There are parts on a wide gravel trail, parts on an elevated boardwalk, and a small portion of a single-track trail.  All along the way, you’ll enjoy tranquil lake views framed by rugged hills and mountains.

Best for: Families and those looking for a leisurely but scenic hike.

6. Mount Creighton

Native forest, mining relics, a waterfall, and river and lake views

Distance: 7.7 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 317 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 15 minutes

How to get there: Follow Google Maps directions to the Mt Creighton Loop Track parking lot, where the trail begins. This trail is only reachable by car.

About the trail: If there’s one thing I could fault this track on, it’s that I wish it was longer. Besides that, it has a bit of everything you could want in a hike. Sweat-inducing but not crazy elevation, shaded parts through native forests, a bridge over a waterfall, a historic hut, and an overlook of Lake Whakatipu and Lake Dispute. It’s one of those that’s nice in any weather and is just long enough that you feel accomplished but not exhausted.

Best for: Beginner hikers wanting a bit of a challenge and seasoned hikers looking for a shorter adventure.

7. Lake Hayes

Easy loop with wide paths and bird life

Distance: 7.9 km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Elevation gain: 145 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 15 minutes

How to get there: Follow Google Maps directions to the Lake Hayes Pavilion, and you’ll find the track just down the hill toward the lake. You can also park on the north end of the lake here. If you’re traveling by public transport, take Bus 2 and hop off at Mora Wines, which is about a 10-minute walk to the trail.

About the trail: Similar to Moke Lake, this is a relatively easy trail and as long as you can walk for two hours straight, you’ll have no problem conquering it. It’s also a lot easier to get to than Moke Lake and can be reached by public transport.

As for the trail, the majority of it is on a wide dirt trail with a small section on a boardwalk. Throughout the entire hike, you’ll have views of Lake Hayes and the Remarkables and there are also a few spots to rest and soak it all in. When you’re on the south end of the lake, keep your eyes out for pūkeko, fantails, and tuis!

Best for: Families, casual hikers, and birders.

8. Queenstown Hill

A short jaunt to a fabulous lookout

Distance: 4.8 km
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 399 m
Travel time from Queenstown: 0 – 5 minutes

How to get there: Follow Google Maps directions to the Queenstown Hill Walking Track trailhead. Or, for extra fitness, leave the car and walk to the trailhead from town (25 minutes).

About the trail: If you only have time for a quick hike in Queenstown and don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving or preparing for a mission, this is the hike for you. The hike itself isn’t anything spectacular, with the majority of it taking you up and up through a dark pine forest. However, once you pop out of the trees, you’ll understand why it’s popular. From the top, you’ll enjoy expansive views over Lake Whakatipu, Fernhill, and Cecil Peak. When I have friends visit, this is always the first one I take them on. I’ve also been known to run it at sunrise for a bit of fitness.

Best for: Fitness and views without the hassle.

Keep Planning Queenstown

From luxury tours to day trips, these guides help you nail your Queenstown itinerary.

More New Zealand Destinations to Discover

New Zealand is packed with unforgettable experiences. Start budgeting your trip and exploring tours in these iconic destinations.