Gold history and urban spaces
The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is the last relatively intact Chinese settlement in Otago. As a Category 2 public historic site, it commemorates the Chinese presence on the goldfields of Central Otago. The Lakes District Museum houses artefacts, photographs and films about Māori and Chinese settlers in the region, as well as the pioneering gold rush. A visit to the museum offers an insight into the history of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District.
Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens is an important public space in central Queenstown that locals and visitors can explore and enjoy. Alongside the cultural and historical themes, the itinerary also offers a public place to experience the urban landscape.
Hikes by time and difficulty
Two different walks can be compared by time and difficulty: the Ben Lomond Track is a challenging full-day hike from Queenstown, with 1,438 metres of elevation gain; the Queenstown Hill Time Walk takes 2–3 hours round trip to the car park and starts on Belfast Street. The Ben Lomond Track offers panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. On Queenstown Hill, spectacular views and the ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture are among the highlights along the Time Walk.
The Ben Lomond Track has four access points near the centre of Queenstown: the Tiki Trail beside the Skyline Gondola station on Brecon Street, the Skyline Access Road on Lomond Crescent, the One Mile Creek Track at the Fernhill roundabout, and the Skyline Gondola. Check the latest track notices before setting out; alpine conditions can vary.
Loop track and river route
The Moke Lake Loop Track circles the lake through grassland and scenery surrounded by mountains. From Queenstown, it can be reached via Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road. Road conditions can vary, so it is worth checking them before setting off.
The Hāwea River Track offers a different kind of route: it connects Albert Town with Hāwea and forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. The route passes through kānuka scrub and open plains before following the river upstream to Domain Road. Access parking is available at Albert Town Campground and on Domain Road. Check local road conditions before setting out.
Lakes and mountain scenery
The Queenstown Lakes District includes three main lakes: Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. They are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. Alongside the trails, the region also offers a range of activities on the water.
In the Queenstown Lakes District, Mount Aspiring National Park in the Matukituki Valley offers day hikes across farmland and through areas of beech forest. The area also provides access to challenging trekking and climbing routes. Alpine hazards vary by season, so the seasonal nature of the alpine terrain should be taken into account when planning these trips.
Discover more destinations: Moonlight, Gibbston, Lake Hayes, Closeburn, Queenstown, Wanaka, Speargrass Flat, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Cardrona, Makarora, Arthurs Point, Lower Shotover, Kingston, Mount Nicholas, Hawea Flat, Dingle Burn and Albert Town.
For the broader travel overview: Otago.
