Queenstown, NZ: A Local’s Guide to the Best Spots

I was lucky enough to spend two years in one of the best places in New Zealand – Queenstown. With beautiful views, people from all over the world mixing with locals and almost any adventure you can dream of – this is the place to be. Welcome to my guide to The Best Places in Queenstown (the budget edition).

From having a beer on the waterfront with friends, to wandering Queenstown Gardens and skiing amongst some of the best scenery in the world, this place truly has my heart.

Unfortunately, a lot of you will only get a short amount of time there, if you make it at all. So let this record of my memories be a helping hand to a trip of your own!

1. Drive up the Remarkables road & Hike to Lake Alta

This drive has the best views in the whole of Queenstown, hands down. In winter, these spectacular mountains have some awesome skiing terrain, catering to skiiers of all abilities. However, during the summer months you can pay $10 to drive up the road to the base area. This drive is worth doing, regardless of whether you’re planning on skiing or hiking. There’s a little lookout point 3/4 of the way up that is great for sitting and admiring the view – though it can get a little windy.

Between November and May there is a beautiful hike that leads to a stunning, crystal clear blue lake. Lake Alta is frozen during the winter, but is very much worth walking to in summer. You can continue on the Wye Creek track which will take you over the saddle and around down the other side of the range, but the hike to Lake Alta is relatively easy.

2. Take a day trip to Glenorchy

The road to Glenorchy is another drive that is worth doing simply for the views. The town itself is small, though there is a cute little red shed on the waterfront that is a famous photo spot. If you’re a Hobbit or Lord of the Rings fan, there are a lot of shooting spots on the way out there too that are worth checking out.

3. Visit Deer Park Heights

Deer Park Heights is one of the more expensive excursions on this list, but if you have a few friends with you – it’s well worth the trip. With deer, highland cattle, goats, kunekune pigs, ducks and spectacular views all in the centre of Queenstown Basin, you can make an awesome afternoon of visiting this spot.

It does cost $55 for a gate code online, but once you’re in you can spend as long as you like driving and mingling with all of the animals.

4. Visit Moke Lake (the best spot for stargazing)

Moke Lake is a stunning spot that makes you feel as if you’ve travelled into the middle of nowhere, despite only being a 25 minute or so drive from Queenstown Central. This spot is awesome for walking around the lake taking in the views, but I travelled here mostly to take advantage of the dark skies. Ben Lomond Peak sits between Moke Lake and Queenstown, so there is no light pollution, and there is another range to the right – of which there are no towns. Because of this, on a clear night there are spectacular views of the Milky Way.

If you’re lucky and have your alerts on, this is also a great spot to view the Southern Lights. I’ve seen them twice times in Queenstown, and the most impressive display was here at this lake.

Want to know how I shot this photo? Read this post here!

5. Take a swim at Bob’s Cove

Bob’s Cove is absolutely worth the ten minute walk from the parking area. The trail winds through native bush down to the lake, where it breaks out into this secluded beach.

You can hike around to the peak of the peninsula, stopping on the way to jump off the picture-perfect jetty/wharf. The water is crystal clear blue and is the perfect spot for an afternoon dip. Paired perfectly with the day trip from Glenorchy, this spot is on the way home!

6. Day Trip to Milford Sound

This is a big day, so it is worth planning on spending a whole day visiting this spot. I’d recommend going with a tour company, such as RealNZ, as the road can be long and quite steep at times. It’s one way in and out.

Milford Sound is unofficially called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and for good reason. The beauty of Mitre Peak will have your jaw on the ground instantly, partnered with the waterfalls falling into the sea from incredible heights. Another reason to go with a tour operator, is that they will often take you out on the water, where you can get up close with the cliffs. Sometimes you can even see dolphins and whales in the bay.

7. Wye Creek Hike

Wye Creek is a steep but rewarding hike to a waterfall and helicopter landing pad that makes for a good break spot! The views of Queenstown are amazing. The parking area is about 20 minutes drive from the main town.

8. Shred at Wynyard Jump Park

This free bike park was our favourite spot during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Queenstown. Swap the gondola runs for a bit of mud, sweat and tears and you can lap these jumps all day. We all had fun, even though we were all varying abilities. From pump-track style obstacles to full on big-air jumps.

9. Drive up Coronet Peak Road for the best Sunsets

Unlike the road up to the Remarkables, neighbouring Coronet Peak is free to drive up. The carparks from here have incredible views and are perfect for kicking back, having a beer and watching the sun go down on the valley.

If you’re lucky, in October there is an annual hillclimb race held by Queenstown Car Club. It’s well worth checking out the turn out of cars racing to the base building along the windy road.

10. Skate Jack’s Point pump track

If you have a skateboard or bike with you, this track is fun for everyone to have a go. With The Remarkables as a backdrop, who wouldn’t wanna get some cool pictures here?

11. Secret Spot – Little Thailand Cliff Jump

Little Thailand is one of those local secrets of Queenstown. On the road to Glenorchy, about ten minutes out of Queenstown is a little pull out stop on a corner. From here you can bush-bash your way down to a cliff edge. With ledges of varying heights, there’s a height for everyone. There is a rope set to help get you back out of the water, but I wouldn’t recommend hitting this spot unless you are comfortable with cold water, heights and are a confident swimmer.

These are some of my fondest memories of Queenstown, and I hope you get to experience them too! This is one of the prettiest places in NZ with so much to offer.

Happy travels!

Emma

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