One of my favorite things about Queenstown is its proximity to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions.
Whether it’s a scenic hiking trail in Aspiring National Park, mountaintop views over Lake Wanaka, or a trip to the endless waterfalls in Milford Sound, there’s much to see within a few hours of ‘The Adventure Capital of the World.’
So, if you find yourself using Queenstown as a base for exploring the bottom half of the South Island, you’ll want to keep these spots in mind. And, while a few of these can be reached using public transport or by tour, I recommend traveling by car to get the most out of your trip.
These are some of the top day trips from Queenstown – including some additional stops to add to each trip – and a few overnight options for those looking for a longer getaway.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a short drive from Queenstown making it ideal for a quick getaway. The former mining town leans heavily into its past, with many of its attractions revolving around the 19th-century Otago gold rush that swept the region.
This is on full display as you walk down the well-preserved Buckingham Street. Its quaint wooden facades and ‘Old Western’ charm brought me back to my university days exploring Arizona’s wild west towns in my downtime. The street is lined with boutique shops, cozy restaurants, and the interesting Lake District Museum. Here you’ll learn about Arrowtown’s history and have a chance to hire a pan and shovel to gold mine down in the Arrow River.
A few steps away from the main street is the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a partially reconstructed village that offers insight into the lives of the Chinese settlers who left home to participate in the gold rush.
Arrowtown also has a few worthwhile hikes for those looking to explore nature. You can find those on the Arrowtown city website. For Lord of the Rings fans, it’s worth wandering down Tobin’s Track to see the Arrow River and Wilcox Green, filming sites for the Nazgûl river crossing and Gladden Fields respectively.
Another popular thing to do in Arrowtown is to hire a bike and cycle some nearby trails. The Arrow River Trail is very scenic and the Gibbston River Trail has some nice wineries along the way. You can find a few fun bike tours that start from Queenstown here.
Drive Time | 20 minutes by car / 50 minutes by bus
The Orbus Public Bus route number 2 goes between Queenstown and Arrowtown and runs every half hour to hour from 5:55 am to 9:55 pm. For more information, you can check the Orbus site.
Getting There | You can head there via Gorge Rd and Arthurs Point Rd or by taking Highway 6 until the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd or McDonnell Rd turnoffs.
Additional Stops | Lake Hayes makes for a nice stop on the way to Arrowtown. It’s not quite as epic as some other nearby lakes, but it has a relaxing walking loop that circles it and is perfect for a picnic. There’s also a fun place on Arrow Junction Rd just off the main highway where you can feed a few happy goats for a modest price!
Cromwell
As another former ‘gold rush’ town, Cromwell shares a few similarities to Arrowtown. Mainly its 19th-century cowboy-style buildings and some sights that play into its history with the periodic table’s 79th element.
Where the town differs is in its more recent agricultural boom. Fruit farming is a big deal here, the cherries and various stone fruits are seen as some of the best in the country. It’s something that becomes quite apparent as you cross the grandiose Cromwell Fruit Sculpture at the edge of town. It’s worth stopping by the numerous fruit stands to grab a fresh snack on the way into town.
To soak up the history of Cromwell, your first stop should be the picturesque Cromwell Heritage Precinct. It’s a nice old-fashioned place to wander around and get a feel for the town’s past. Afterward, you can head over to Goldfields Mining Centre to try your hand at gold panning in the river.
Of course, you can always find some hiking or cycling trails if you’re looking for something more adventurous. Lake Dunstan is at the northern edge of town and offers a nice setting for a picnic. If you care for a pretty view of Cromwell, make sure to head to the Bruce Jackson Lookout.
Cromwell is also in the heart of Otago’s wine region, so wine tasting is always a fine option. The previously mentioned Gibbston Valley is nearby and Bannockburn just across the river has a few wonderful wineries too.
Drive Time | 1 hour by car / 1 to 1h15 by bus
Intercity has a few routes a day between Queenstown and Cromwell with buses leaving from Queenstown in the morning and from Cromwell in the evening. For a detailed schedule check the Intercity website.
Getting There | Take Highway 6 to the north until you reach Cromwell town center.
Additional Stops | Combining Cromwell and Arrowtown into one trip is both easy and feasible, especially if you’re exploring the region’s gold mining history. Another great stop is at the picturesque 19th-century Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. Known as the “Birthplace of Bungee,” it’s unsurprisingly still an adventure sport hotspot with bungee jumping and ziplining options for thrill-seekers.
Wanaka
Queenstown’s sleepy sister city.
Wanaka is one of my favorite towns in New Zealand, not only for its stunning surrounding nature but also for its down-to-earth vibes. It’s a true year-round destination, with ski slopes in the nearby mountains for winter lovers and epic hikes once the snows melt.
There’s also something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or the admire-from-afar type, making it a perfect destination for any occasion. Plus they have the famed, photogenic mid-lake Wanaka Tree.
Here are some of the top things to do in Wanaka if you’re coming on a day trip from Queenstown:
- You’ll find brilliant hikes all around this area, but the two that stand out as ideal one-dayers are Roy’s Peak and Isthmus Peak. Roy’s Peak is a moderate, steep ascent up to a downright breathtaking viewpoint. Isthmus Peak is a fantastic alternative, with panoramic views of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea awaiting at the top.
- Stop by the picturesque and pleasant-smelling Wanaka Lavender Farm for a relaxing getaway. If you’re a fan of the color purple, you’ll love it here.
- Stroll the Wanaka Lakefront from #ThatWanakaTree to the pebble beach at Beacon Point for some exercise and nice views.
- Get on the water for some activities like a thrilling jet boat ride or a kayak trip to Ruby Island.
- Enjoy illusions, puzzles, and mazes at the strange Puzzling World.
- Discover what it’s like to climb up rushing waterfalls and over sky-high suspension bridges with a guided waterfall cable climb.
Drive Time | 1h15 by car / 1h45 by bus
Intercity has a bus route between Wanaka and Queenstown. But, with how the timings work out, traveling by car is the only realistic option. The same can be said for the shuttle service between Wanaka and the Queenstown airport.
Getting There | A straight shot heading north on Highway 6.
Additional Stops | The previously mentioned Arrowtown and Cromwell are both common additions to a day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka. You probably won’t have the time to fit everything in, but a few sights from either are worth the detour. Alternatively, if you head along Crown Range Road, make sure to stop at some of the scenic lookouts. The Crown Range Summit in particular has magnificent views and a small parking lot to pull off at. Stop off at Cardrona Distillery afterward to see the funky wall of bras.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy might just be the best day trip from Queenstown, especially if you came to New Zealand for nature and Lord of the Rings.
The tiny town is a short drive away and has some stunning sights to stop at along the way. It’s also the gateway to epic hikes like the Routeburn Track and film sights from some iconic blockbuster movies.
When you arrive make sure to head down to Glenorchy Wharf to check out the famous red shed and willow tree rows. Follow the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway for some more views of the beautiful surroundings.
If you’re up for some animal interaction make sure to stop by the Glenorchy Animal Experience afterwards. It’s like a big petting zoo with friendly animals.
It’s hard to mention Glenorchy without talking about Middle Earth. The backdrop for Isengard was filmed just around the corner, while you’ll have to use a bit of imagination to recreate the scenes in your head, it’s still a gorgeous area to be in.
Drive Time | 45 minutes by car
Shuttle services run between Queenstown and Glenorchy, but times are limited and are usually used for transport to the big hiking tracks in the area. You can check here for more information.
Getting There | A stunning drive along Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd.
Additional Stops | You won’t find any towns to stop in along the way, but there are plenty of wonderful sights to see. Starting from Queenstown, you have the 7 Mile Scenic Reserve, Lake Dispute Track, 12 Mile Delta, Mt Chrichton Loop Track, Ithilien Lookout, Bob’s Cove Track, Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint Walking Track, Twenty-Five Mile Stream, and Lake Face Creek Falls before reaching Glenorchy. You won’t be able to see them all in one go, but I recommend making time for one or two.
Mount Aspiring National Park
If you’re looking to do some world-class hiking, Mount Aspiring National Park should be on your radar. It expands across parts of the Southern Alps and has some dazzling mountain treks.
There are a few multi-day walks that head deeper into the park, but there are also plenty of trails that can be done in a day or an afternoon. And, most of them are within driving distance of Queenstown!
There are a few entrance points to the national park, so it’s best to pick either one longer trail to hike or a few shorter ones that are close to each other.
DAY HIKES IN MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
Blue Pools Track / Blue Valley Track
Brewster Track / Fantail Falls
Cameron Valley Track
East Matukituki Valley Tracks
Lake Sylvan Track
Mount Shrimpton Track
Pearl Flat to the head of the valley
Rob Roy Track
Routeburn Nature Walk
Shotover Saddle Route
If you want some more details about the hiking options in Mount Aspiring National Park, you can have a look at the Department of Conservation website. They explain the length and difficulty of each hike and what you can expect to see on each trek.
Drive Time | It’s dependent on what you want to see and where you’d like to enter the national park. But, most of the day hikes I mentioned above are between 1h15 and 2h30 drive each way.
Getting There | Just like I mentioned above, the route there will be dependent on what you’d like to see in Mount Aspiring National Park. If you want to visit places nearby Glenorchy, you’ll end up taking the Glenorchy-Paradise Road to reach them. For places past Wanaka on the west of the Matukituki River, you’ll be driving on the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Rd. And, for places north of Wanaka and nearby Makarora you’ll just stay along Highway 6.
Additional Stops | You’ll need to pass Glenorchy or Wanaka to reach Aspiring National Park, so it’s worth stopping at either if you have the time. On the road from Wanaka, there are too many amazing viewpoints to even mention, just stop wherever catches your eye. However, the Matukituki Suspension Bridge and Wishbone Falls are great spots as you get near the Rob Roy Trail entrance.
Clyde
Just past Cromwell, you’ll come to the quaint town of Clyde, best known for its picturesque river dam and delightful cycling trails.
This is a very under-the-radar destination near Queenstown, one that has plenty to offer if you’re into wine and relaxation. There are several vineyards in the surrounding area, excellent restaurants in town, and of course, chances to see New Zealand’s third largest hydroelectric dam.
If you’re interested in learning about hydropower it’s worth joining one of the tours of the facilities. Although, they ask you to email them in advance if you do so. If not, you can still enjoy the sights from different viewpoints and even have a swim in the Clutha River from the ‘beach’ a few steps away.
The two popular bike trails in the area are the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail. Both are lengthy rides that take you past some spectacular sites. It’s worth noting that they aren’t doable as a day trip, so your best bet is to prioritize a couple of sections. You’ll pass a fair few wineries on both of these bike paths.
Drive Time | 1h15 by car / Same by bus
Intercity buses on the Queenstown to Dunedin route stop in Clyde. They usually leave Queenstown in the morning and head back through Clyde in the evening. For routes and schedules check the Intercity website that I linked in the previous Cromwell section.
Getting There | You take Highway 6 until Cromwell, where you hop on Highway 8 heading south.
Additional Stops | To reach Clyde you’ll have to pass by Cromwell, which makes it an easy addition to your day trip from Queenstown. On the road from Cromwell to Clyde, two stop-off points are great for a snack and a quick leg stretch. The first is the Clutha River Viewpoint and the second is a small campsite another 5 kilometers up the road.
Alexandra
Alexandra is another town on the ‘mining route’ that slowly moved away from gold panning and started focusing on cultivating the land. There are dozens of orchards and vineyards in the surrounding countryside, with more than a few along the previously mentioned Otago Central Rail Trail.
When you’re not winery hopping, you can wander around and take in some of the sights. Here are a few of the highlights:
Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery | A small museum in Pioneer Park that explores a bit of Otago’s history and shares some local artwork. It’s free to enter, but donations are always welcome.
Alexandra’s Historic Bridge | The preserved remnants of the town’s once-beloved bridge. The decking is no longer there, but the stone archways and columns remain, protruding from the center of the Clutha River.
Alexandra’s Clock on the Hill | Across the river, a large 1960s clock is built into the rock face overlooking the town. Nearby is an observation deck with a wonderful view of the town.
Drive Time | 1h25 by car / 1h35 by bus
The same Intercity bus that goes through Clyde stops in Alexandra as well. Refer to that section if you’re looking to use public transport.
Getting There | Alexandra is only 10 minutes down the road from Clyde, so you take the same roads to get there using Highway 6 and Highway 8.
Additional Stops | Seeing Clyde and Alexandra on the same day is easy enough, especially considering how small the towns are. If you plan on bringing bicycles you could easily cycle between the two on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Alternatively, if you take public transport to one, walk the trail, and take the bus back from the other.
Kingston
Kingston is a place to escape the crowds and craziness that often comes with staying in Queenstown. It’s a small, relaxing town with a few hiking trails and a simple stretch of beach along the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu.
If you’re in a sporty mood, you can have a go at stand-up paddleboarding or stay on land and tee off at the golf course. Of course, there’s also some hiking nearby Kingston. The Shirt Tail Track heads up a stream to a delightful viewpoint of the lake. Meanwhile, the Te Kere Haka Trail stays close to the lakefront and the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail has a walking section to Trotters Homestead.
What really makes Kington stand out though, is the possibility to take a ride on the recently reopened Kingston Flyer!
The scenic train ride runs every Sunday from late September to early June along a 14km railroad track. Spending a couple of hours in one of the century-old restored carriages, listening to the sound of a working steam engine is something truly remarkable.
Train Info | For more information on the Kingston Flyer, like timetables and prices, have a look at the Kingston Flyer website.
Drive Time | 45 minutes by car
Getting There | Head south on Highway 6 until you reach Kingston at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.
Additional Stops | Two spots stand out on the way to Kingston; the Lower Wye Creek Track and the Devil’s Staircase Lookout. The Lower Wye Creek trail is around a 4-hour roundtrip (if you take your time) and leads to a spectacular viewpoint. The Devil’s Staircase Viewpoint on the other hand is a simple turnoff, where you’ll see panoramas of the lake and the winding road alongside its edge.
Te Anau
I have a soft spot for Te Anau because I spent the first five months of my New Zealand trip there, but to me, it’s a must-visit. It’s often skipped over by travelers on their way to Milford Sound, however, with its wonderful nature and epic hiking trails, that would be a mistake.
Normally I’d suggest a couple of nights here, but if you’re basing yourself in Queenstown, it’s still worth seeing for the day!
Things worth doing on a Queenstown day trip to Te Anau:
- Hike part of the Kepler track. The whole thing takes a few days, but two reasonable walks along the track can be done in a single day. North to the Luxmore Hut and Luxmore Cave will take you past some beautiful lakeside beaches and up the mountain to some of the best views I experienced in the country. South to Rainbow Reach is an easier route that follows the Waiau River aka the ‘Anduin River’ from Lord of the Rings.
- Wander around the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and see some unique native species like the takahē.
- Feel like you’re suspended in space by heading into the darkness of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Guided tours are mandatory, weather-dependent, and an amazing experience.
- Hop on a tour to the oft-overlooked, but magnificent Doubtful Sound. It’s quieter and less-visited than Milford Sound, so if you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, it’s worth looking into. Tours pass through Lake Manapouri, New Zealand’s second-deepest lake on the way there.
- Relax by the lakefront and, if you’re feeling brave, jump into the chilly waters for an immediate cool-off.
Drive Time | 2 hours by car / 2h15 by bus
Both Intercity and Tracknet service the route from Queenstown to Te Anau. Seasonal schedules and timetables can be found on their websites. If you don’t have your own transport, I recommend renting a car as an alternative to the roundtrip bus ticket. It’s comparable in price, and cheaper in most cases if you are traveling with another.
Getting There | Head south on Highway 6, then change over to Highway 97 which merges with Highway 94 towards Te Anau.
Additional Stops | Kingston is almost at the halfway point, making it an ideal pitstop for a picnic and a relaxing break. After that, it’s mostly farmland, with a few small towns here and there. You won’t find anything too exciting going on in them, although most have a coffee shop they take pride in.
Milford Sound
If you’ve gotten as far south as Queenstown on your travels, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Milford Sound. It’s a place Rudyard Kipling dubbed ‘The Eight Wonder of the World’ and for good reason!
The fiord is the crown jewel of the Fiordland National Park, with the picturesque Mitre Peak towering above and a rare mix of saltwater and freshwater forming an almost black appearance. Sterling Falls, Bowen Falls, and sometimes hundreds more waterfalls cascade into Milford Sound as amazing wildlife like dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and marine birds use the fiord as a sort of untamed playground.
I’ve been here on multiple occasions, rain and shine, and it always lives up to the hype. It might be a long drive, but unless you’re planning an overnight stay in Te Anau, Queenstown is the next closest tourist town.
MILFORD SOUND BY TOUR
If you end up driving yourself, there are dozens of stops along the way that I’ll share below. You’ll still need to get a tour to see the fiord, but it’ll be cheaper leaving from Milford Sound itself. You can find some options here on GetYourGuide, here on Viator, or directly contact one of the handful of Milford boat companies. It’s worth keeping a lookout online to see if you can find any last-minute deals.
Guided tours are the only way to see Milford Sound, so it’s really up to figuring out what style tour fits your travel style. There are options to kayak part of the fiord, visit an underwater natural aquarium, or do a combination plane-boat option. If you don’t have a car or want a hassle-free experience, there are plenty of great choices leaving from Queenstown.
Here are a few recommended options:
Drive Time | 4 hours by car
The times and prices don’t really make sense when it comes to public transport for a day trip between Queenstown and Milford Sound. You’d be better off joining a tour, as the prices work out to be about the same, but with far less hassle.
Getting There | After you reach Te Anau, stay on 94 until the end of the road.
Additional Stops | Between Te Anau and Milford Sound there is a ton to see. Starting from Te Anau there are Te Anau Downs, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, The Hut Creek Track, Lake Gunn, Lake Fergus, the beginning of the Routeburn Track that leads to the Key Summit Trail, Pop’s View and Hollyford Valley Lookouts, Lake Marian, Falls Creek Falls, Monkey Creek, Gertrude Saddle, Hundred Falls, The Chasm, and the Tutoko Valley River Hike. You won’t have the time for any of the longer hikes after a trip on Milford Sound, but many of these places are simple photo stops that won’t take more than a couple of minutes.
Extended Day Trips From Queenstown (Overnight Options)
Here are a few choices for overnight trips from Queenstown.
Realistically you could do each of these in a day, but the drives are long and there’s enough to do and see that I feel spending the night is the better option.
Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
These two lakes are around 3 hours from Queenstown and have some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve seen in the country. They are often combined into one trip and can be seen in a day. Most travelers just stop by the southern tips of each one for some nice photo opportunities and a hike to different viewpoints along the water’s edge.
This might sound like an ideal day trip if you’re not worried about the drive time, but then you’d be missing out on one of the best views of the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere.
Both lakes are part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which aims to preserve the night sky against light pollution. The visibility on a clear night is second to none, with constellations standing out easily to the naked eye and mesmerizing colors streaking across the sky.
If you want a fun astronomy experience you could join a stargazing tour in Tekapo. They head out nightly and are filled with interesting facts about the night sky. Alternatively, you can head a bit outside of town and find a spot to admire the sights on your own!
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Aoraki or Mount Cook stands at the northern end of Lake Pukaki and is New Zealand’s tallest mountain. There are a few hikes to do in this area, but the most iconic (and accessible) is the Hooker Valley Track.
It takes between 3 and 4 hours to finish the 10-kilometer loop and is filled with epic views of Mount Cook and Hooker Valley. You’ll also cross by Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake, two bluish-gray lakes formed by the nearby retreating glaciers.
It’s worth taking your time here and adding a night in Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo to your itinerary. There are plenty of campsites around too, so if you’re travelling in a campervan there shouldn’t be a problem finding a place to pull into for the night.
If Aoraki is a must-visit for you, but you don’t have a car or the time to spare for an overnight trip, don’t fret. There are plenty of day tours leaving from Queenstown to Mount Cook. They last from dawn until dusk and feel a bit rushed, but you’ll still be treated to sensational sights and informative guides.
Dunedin
About 4 hours to the southeast, the charming, eccentric city of Dunedin sits with its college town vibes and historic buildings. If you can spare a weekend I highly recommend a visit. The city center has a fun atmosphere, with lovely cafes around every corner, interesting museums, quirky vintage shops, the steepest street in the world, and more than a few great secondhand bookstores.
You could easily spend a couple of days hanging out in the city, but then you’d skip some of the amazing natural sights just outside of town.
Known as the “Wildlife Capital of New Zealand,” Dunedin is surrounded by a gorgeous coastline home to seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, albatross, and blue penguins. It’s worth spending the day exploring Tunnel Beach, Saint Clair Beach, Otago Peninsula, and, if you have time, the Moeraki Boulders north of town.
Invercargill & The Catlins
As the southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill often gets missed on trips around the South Island, which is a real shame. It’s a unique place and the jumping-off point to wild, remote areas like Stewart Island and the Catlins, which is why I feel it’s better suited for an overnight or multiday trip.
The Catlins are especially beautiful, with a rugged coastline teeming with rare birds that span the southeastern portion of the South Island. Places like Curio Bay, the Cathedral Caves, and the windswept trees at Slope Point add to its allure. Heading inland, you’ll find forest treks leading to some stunning hidden waterfalls.
The city is a motor enthusiast’s best friend, with separate museums dedicated to motorcycles and vintage vehicles. Famed motorcycle racer Burt Munro was born here, so it should come as no surprise. A memorial sculpture commemorating his world record riding can be seen at the entrance to Queens Park.
If the need for speed doesn’t catch your attention, you can always explore the botanical gardens or aviary in the park. Or, for something more offbeat, you could wander over to Demolition World and its bizarre, fascinating use of recycled goods.
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