Queenstown is a destination for solo travellers and adrenaline junkies alike, but perhaps no type of traveller will find a better home in this part of Aotearoa than families and friends. Travelling in a group is its own special kind of magic because you create a shared experience that everyone gets to enjoy for years and years after the trip is over.
One of the best ways to do that? A hike. Get out into nature, take an easy walk through the countryside, and explore the region as freely as possible.
The good news is that there is no shortage of incredible hikes in Queenstown. For today, we’re turning the spotlight onto a few of our favourites to stock your itinerary with the very best choices. Let’s not waste another minute!
Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Let’s kick off the list with something a little bit unique: a glacier walk. This might not immediately jump to mind when you think of traditional group hikes, but a glacier walk is one of the best and most exclusive experiences you can access on your trip south.
Following a fixed-wing flight over the Southern Alps from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier, located on the western face of Aoraki/ Mt Cook, with a guaranteed window seat, you will take an exciting helicopter ride to reach the glacier and step off into pure snow to a trek across pristine powder with a guide at your side. This piece of the world is completely untouched, with mountains and sky stretching in all directions. There’s truly nothing like it.
The Franz Josef Glacier Hike is a family-friendly adventure suitable for those from 10 years old and highly recommended as an incredible activity for groups. You need a reasonable level of fitness and agility as there are some uphill components during the hike’s route.
- The Ben Lomond Track
Right in the heart of Queenstown is the world-renowned cable car, which will take you and your family up to the top of Bob’s Peak. Waiting there for you is the start of the Ben Lomond Track, which traces the contours of Ben Lomond in a slightly challenging but extremely rewarding hike uphill.
With every step, you and your crew will be rewarded with some of the most stunning Queenstown views. Lake Wakatipu stretches off into the distance, meeting Queenstown mountain ranges at the horizon.
Keep in mind that weather can change on a dime, so make sure you’re prepared for rain or cold temperatures as you go.
- The Queenstown Hill
Next up, one of the most popular hikes in Queenstown, the Queenstown Hill! This one will take roughly three hours, which makes it the perfect day trip. This is a fairly accessible track, well-maintained, with only a slight incline to challenge your legs on the way up. Even if you’re seeking a short hike or some time outdoors with your family, this might be the destination for you.
Waiting near the peak is the Basket of Dreams, a sculpture created by artist Caroline Robinson as a spot for reflection on the mountain. This is the perfect place to stop off for a picnic, as it offers windswept views and an iconic spot for photography.
- Sawpit Gully
In the realm of local three hour hikes is this next offering, the Sawpit Gully trail. This is a loop track that kicks off just twenty short minutes from Queenstown, starting at Butler’s Green in Arrowtown and returning there once the loop track is concluded. You can hike either clockwise or counter-clockwise, but if you’re looking for an easier way up, then we’d recommend taking the anti-clockwise route.
While most hikes in Queenstown are all about getting as high as you can and using that altitude to take in the views, the Sawpit Gully hike is a little bit different. The track takes you through a valley between mountains, across a footbridge, and then up to take in the views of the lake.
This track is truly what you make it, so feel free to take along some picnic supplies to whip out when you reach an idyllic spot.
The Milford Sound Track
Finally, no list of hikes in Queenstown is complete without mentioning the hikes around Milford Sound. There is a large track many experienced hikers enjoy walking in the summer months, but considering its length (around 4 days), we don’t generally recommend it for family day trips. If you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, you can walk the beginning stages of the Milford Sound Track or invest in a Queenstown charter flight to take you and the rest of your group to one of the beautiful tracks dotting Fjordland on the way.
Reach the very best hikes in Queenstown with ease thanks to our scenic flight packages.
So many hikes in Queenstown are tough to reach on foot or by road, which is why taking a dedicated charter can be the perfect way to access those tricky spots while getting an extra taste of the scenery along the way.
Curious about getting your own charter? Explore our scenic flight packages, or reach out to talk to us about a dedicated charter today.
