Stunning Short & Half Day Hikes of Queenstown, NZ

So you’ve landed in glorious Queenstown and already itching to hit the trails? I’ve got you covered! From post-dinner strolls to steep climbs and amazing viewpoints, keep reading below for Central Otago’s best short and sweet hiking bangers.

Moke Lake Lookout

The 20 minute drive out to Moke Lake hugs Lake Wakatipu along the scenic Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, before turning right into the hills and farmland. The last 7km of the drive is on gravel road, ending at the Moke Lake Campsite. Whilst most opt for a stroll around the loop track, there is a steeper trail heading up the hill for an elevated view of this gorgeous lake. This trail peels off to the right from the main walking track, where the farm’s fence ends, and follows along the fence for another 300 metres until you reach a gate. The trail then skips over to the steep hill on your left, which can only be described as a goats track!

It takes about 1 hour to hike to the lookout, followed by a careful descent down the same path. For those not so keen on heights, the Moke Lake Loop Track takes 2.5 hours to complete, or alternatively, BYO paddle board and togs for a refreshing swim in the glassy lake!

This helpful blog provides some in-depth trail information to the lookout.

Lake Alta

If you’re a long time follower of this blog, you’ll know it’s not the first mention of this fantastic hike! What a difference five weeks makes, from winter wonderland scenes in November to tussocks and a green lake in December. We were not expecting snow covered trails and frozen over lakes when we made the trip this year (which explains why Rich is pictured in red swim shorts, ready to take a plunge!). The day started at a mild 17 degrees celsius at the bottom of the Remarkables, with snow only making an appearance along the gravel portion of the road to the ski field car park. From there, we walked alongside the magic carpet tunnels and towards the mountain peaks on what was another bluebird day.

It was a little tricker to spot the trail this time with it being covered in snow, and the misleading wide ski runs. Nevertheless, we reached the lake and Double Cone in 45 minutes and took in the alpine air and gorgeous scenery.

For a summertime version of Lake Alta, check out this blog post.

Rocky Mountain Summit

A little further on from Wanaka lies Glendhu Bay, Diamond Lake Conservation Area, and the kick off point to the Rocky Mountain Summit Track. The 1 hour 15 minute drive out to the Diamond Lake Carpark, and 1.5 hour hike to the summit is well worth the effort, providing beautiful views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding hills and mountain peaks including Treble Cone, Mount Aspiring, Coromandel and Roy’s Peaks. The track itself can be steep and rocky at times, and should be attempted with caution after rain as it can get muddy and slippery. If the track seems dodgy the further along you go, you will still get great views at Diamond Lake and the various Lake Wanaka lookouts on the way to the summit.

A day trip out to nearby Wanaka is a must, and for all my top recommendations, check out this blog post 🙂

Bob’s Cove Track

Another neat walking track along the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road is Bob’s Cove Track, a 1.5 hour loop track that takes you to a lookout over Lake Wakatipu and Bob’s Cove. The cove itself is a perfect swim spot, with a beach and a jetty to jump from. The crystal clear water looked enticing as ever, but mind the sandflies if you stop for a swim! After passing the jetty, the loop track splits off to the left and right. The left side is shorter, steeper and rockier, whereas the right side meanders around the hill to the summit, and some helpful locals suggested we take this route up.

The moderate sized carpark for the track fits around ten vehicles, and is a 17 minute drive from Queenstown, just after the more populated Wilson Bay and Twelve Mile Delta Campsite.

Jack’s Point

A hop and a skip away from Queenstown Airport is the Jack’s Point subdivision, clubhouse and golf course. Perfect for a sunset or post-dinner stroll, you can also opt for a half day hike from Kelvin Heights along the Jack’s Point Track to reach the clubhouse. This 4 hour walk can be done in either direction and features undulating grassland, bush and views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

To round this blog post off, the best remedy for tired hiking legs is of course, a visit the the Onsen Hot Pools in Arthur’s Point. Soak in the views and atmosphere, and treat yourself to a drink, snack or spa treatment.