Queenstown – New Zealand

Your adventure begins as you arrive in New Zealand, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Queenstown Airport. It’s well connected to other cities in New Zealand and also Australia, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. 

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Queenstown, near the coast with views of the mountains. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Detailed Route Map 

This classic hike near Wanaka leads into one of New Zealand’s most beautiful alpine valleys, ending at a spectacular viewpoint beneath the hanging glaciers of Mount Rob Roy.

The trail begins at the Raspberry Creek car park in the Matukituki Valley and follows the Rob Roy Stream through lush beech forest. After crossing a swing bridge, the track climbs steadily alongside the river, with waterfalls tumbling down cliffs and glimpses of snowfields above.

As you reach the upper valley, the forest opens onto alpine meadows framed by towering peaks. The final viewpoint offers a dramatic sight of the Rob Roy Glacier spilling down from Mount Aspiring, with icefalls and avalanches often visible in the distance.

The return follows the same well-maintained path back to the car park. With its mix of rainforest, waterfalls, and glaciated peaks, this is one of the most rewarding half-day walks in the South Island.

Detailed Route Map 

One of New Zealand’s most popular alpine day hikes, the Ben Lomond Track offers sweeping views across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

The route starts from the top of the Skyline Gondola. From the gondola, the trail climbs steeply through pine forest and open tussock slopes toward the Ben Lomond Saddle at about 1,320 m. From here, the summit looms above — another hour to ninety minutes of steady climbing on a rocky, exposed ridge.

At 1,748 m, the summit gives a 360-degree panorama stretching from the Remarkables to Mount Aspiring, with the deep blue of Lake Wakatipu far below. On clear days, it’s one of the most memorable viewpoints in New Zealand.

The descent follows the same route, with the option to stop at the Skyline complex for a well-earned drink or take the gondola down. Though demanding, the Ben Lomond Track is a true Queenstown classic — a full alpine experience just minutes from town.

Detailed Route Map 

This rewarding full-day hike follows the opening section of the Kepler Track from the shores of Lake Te Anau up to Luxmore Hut and back. It’s one of the most accessible ways to experience Fiordland’s vast alpine landscapes without committing to the full multi-day circuit.

Starting from the Kepler Track car park near the control gates, the trail follows the lakeshore through lush beech forest, with glimpses of the water and distant peaks. After about 5 km, the path begins a steady ascent on long switchbacks through mossy forest rich with birdsong.

As you climb above the treeline, the views open dramatically over Lake Te Anau and the Murchison Mountains. Luxmore Hut, at 1,085 m, sits on a broad alpine terrace with sweeping views across Fiordland’s wild interior. Many hikers pause here for lunch or continue a short way higher toward Mount Luxmore’s summit.

The descent retraces the same route, with the changing light and perspective offering a fresh experience. Though long, the well-maintained trail and stunning variety of landscapes make this one of New Zealand’s most satisfying day hikes.

On your free day in Queenstown, trade the trails for a mix of relaxation and adventure in New Zealand’s alpine capital. Stroll along the lakefront and through the botanical gardens, enjoy a lakeside brunch, or take the Skyline Gondola for sweeping views without the climb. For a touch of adrenaline, try jet boating on the Shotover River or a scenic flight over Milford Sound. Wine lovers can head to nearby Gibbston Valley for tastings among the vineyards, while those seeking calm can unwind at Onsen Hot Pools overlooking the Shotover Gorge. As evening falls, the town’s lively bars and restaurants make the perfect end to a day at an easier pace.

Detailed Route Map 

A true South Island classic, the Roys Peak Track climbs high above Lake Wanaka to one of New Zealand’s most famous viewpoints. The steady ascent rewards every step with ever-expanding views over the lake, surrounding peaks, and the distant Southern Alps.

The trail begins at the Roys Peak car park, a few kilometres from Wanaka, and follows a wide zigzagging farm track up open tussock slopes. There’s little shade, so early starts are best, especially in summer. As you climb, the blue sweep of Lake Wanaka and the jagged skyline of Mount Aspiring National Park unfold below.

After about two to three hours, you reach the well-known lookout point overlooking the lake — a favourite spot for photos. From there, it’s another 30–45 minutes to the true summit at 1,578 m, where the panorama stretches across valleys, ridges, and snow-capped peaks in every direction.

The descent follows the same route, with spectacular views throughout. Though straightforward, the continuous climb makes this a demanding but unforgettable day above one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes.

Detailed Route Map 

The Mount Alfred hike near Glenorchy climbs steadily through beautiful native beech forest, passing mountain streams and small clearings before emerging above the treeline into exposed alpine terrain. The upper slopes are steep and rugged, with tussock, loose rock and sections of scrambling leading towards the broad summit ridge. From the top, the views are exceptional, stretching across the braided Dart and Rees rivers, Lake Wakatipu, the valleys around Paradise and the surrounding Southern Alps, with Mount Earnslaw and its glaciers dominating the skyline.

It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this majestical island.  We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in New Zealand.