Take a hike and explore Queenstown this summer

Posted by on 21 November 2011

With its world renowned multi-day hiking tracks and walking trails now open for summer, Queenstown is buzzing with visitors keen to explore the magnificent scenery.

New this season is the spectacular 8.5km Gibbston River Trail which takes in stunning views framed by the Kawarau River on one side and Gibbston vineyards on the other, with easy access to prominent wineries and historic and archaeological sites.

Another popular new walk just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown is the Manse Road trail which provides an easy way to explore picturesque Arrowtown and the historic Chinese Village. Ten minutes away, the 8km Lake Hayes Loop offers 360-degree lake and mountain views and stunning lakeside picnic spots.

Queenstown’s surrounds are also a haven for more adventurous hikers with a number of New Zealand’s Great Walks, such as the world-famous Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Dart/Rees, Caples and Greenstone tracks, within a short driving distance of Queenstown. Some have guided options with the luxury of showers, beds and three-course meals, or can be walked independently using Department of Conservation huts or campsites which need to be booked well in advance.

Mr Everitt said Queenstown was considered one of New Zealand’s most popular walking and hiking destinations and, together with its range of activities, provided the perfect mix of action and relaxation for an unforgettable summer holiday.

“With dawn as early as 5am and dusk settling around 10pm, the long days and evenings are perfect for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, diversity of landscapes and vast range of things to do.

“It’s easy to fit in a solid day’s walk and then come back and enjoy all that the town has to offer or, alternatively, do a multi-day hike and tack on a few extra days for some time out. If you’re after adrenaline pumping action there’s a multitude of world-renowned adventure activities to choose from or there are plenty of more leisurely pursuits like spa treatments, a round of golf or a tour of award-winning wineries to sample local produce and some of the world’s finest pinot noir.”

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.