7 Great Day Trips To Take From Queenstown New Zealand

Not only is Queenstown an incredibly diverse destination, it is also the best gateway for a South Island expedition. Hiking trails, historic towns and many scenic wonders are within a few hours driving distance from this lovely New Zealand town. Choose your ideal stopover from these seven great day trips, and get set to revel in your surroundings.

Wanaka

This beautiful lakeside town is only an hour’s trip from Queenstown. The 67-kilometre (41.6-mile) drive will take you across a trove of breathtaking landscapes, from snowy mountains to crystal-clear waters. If you’re passing through during the winter months, Cardrona and Treble Cone are some of the top ski sites in the area. For those getting a glimpse of Wanaka’s beauty in the warmer months, jet-boating and paddle-boarding along the lake are always good options.

Arrowtown

Mt Aspiring National Park

A popular hiking and mountaineering destination that is, once again, conveniently located within close quarters to Queenstown and Wanaka. There are quite a few activities to explore at Mt Aspiring National Park, ranging from leisurely sightseeing to adrenaline-inducing adventures. Canyoning, climbing, skydiving, fishing, and trekking are some of the area’s year-round attractions.

The Central Otago Wineries

You’ll definitely be spoiled for choice in this 58-kilometre (36-mile) journey. As the world’s most southerly grape-growing area, Central Otago has built a strong reputation for its Pinot Noir production. The region boasts more than 80 wineries, all of which have their own unique flair and character. From Queenstown, the first vineyard you’ll pass through is Gibbston Valley. Terra Sancta, near Cromwell, and the Felton Road Winery in Bannockburn are other popular alternatives along this viticultural trail.

Alexandra

Orchards, vineyards, and a rich gold mining history. Alexandra is an underrated South Island gem that is just over an hour’s driving distance from Queenstown. Summer and autumn visitors will get to relish the locally grown apples, apricots, peaches and cherries. Winter explorers can immerse themselves in some natural ice skating at the Lower Manorburn Dam.

Glenorchy

The scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is always a hit with tourists. You’ll be able to enjoy some wonderful landscapes, and there are plenty of activities to try along the way. Glenorchy has made a name for itself because of its The Lord of the Rings film sites, but it is also renowned as a prime destination for kayaking, jet boating and horse trekking. The trip traverses a trove of mountainous landscapes as well as the awe-inspiring Lake Wakatipu.

The Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is considered one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. The 45-minute drive from Queenstown will amaze you with the area’s soaring mountain peaks, mossy forests and breathtaking lakeside. Hikers, take note: the full Routeburn Track is 32 kilometres long (just under 20 miles), connecting to Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park along the way. This epic alpine adventure, in its entirety, usually takes 2-3 days to complete — there are first come, first served campsites in the area for those wanting to extend their visit.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.