No Shortage of Send
Adventure capital of the world
8 destinationsQueenstown and the wider Otago region is where people come from all over the world to do things that scare them. The mountains here are big and the lakes are deep and the whole place hums with energy. But it is also a region of quiet things, like a famous little tree growing out of a lake and a lighthouse at the end of a long empty road.
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is the hill that sits right above town and getting to the top gives you the full picture of the whole Queenstown basin. The track goes through pine forest before opening up to the tussock ridge with views in every direction. It is a good solid walk that does not need serious hiking gear.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is the closest ski field to Queenstown and the most visited ski field in the country. In winter it gets properly busy with lifts running all day and a mix of people from total beginners to very good skiers. In summer you can drive to the top and get great views out over the Crown Range.
The Remarkables
The Remarkables are the jagged mountain range that lines the eastern side of Lake Wakatipu and make the view from Queenstown one of the best in New Zealand. In winter it is a ski field and in summer the rocky ridgeline is a goal for serious hikers. At any time of year the sunsets behind these mountains are very hard to beat.
Roys Peak
Roys Peak is the walk with the famous photo spot where the track turns and you look back over Lake Wanaka with the mountains filling the background. Getting there takes a long slog up exposed ridgeline with no shade, but the views from the top are some of the best in the South Island. Start early, bring plenty of water, and save some energy for the way back down.
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is the big peak above Queenstown that most people see from the gondola and wonder about. The track goes all the way to the top at 1748 metres with views that cover Queenstown, the Remarkables, and most of Central Otago on a clear day. It is a long day out and the top section is steep and exposed, so check the forecast before you go.
That Wanaka Tree
A single willow tree growing out of the edge of Lake Wanaka has become one of the most photographed trees in the world. The reflection in the still water on a calm morning is the shot everyone is after. It is an easy walk from town along the lake edge and worth seeing even if you already know the photo.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is the long narrow lake that Queenstown sits on and it is one of the most scenic lakes in the country. The old steamship TSS Earnslaw still runs trips across the water and is a great way to see the lake properly. The mountains that drop right down to the water on both sides make it feel like somewhere that should not exist.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
A lighthouse sits above a cluster of rocky outcrops called The Nuggets and from the viewing platform you look down on fur seals, sea lions, and sometimes penguins below. The Catlins is one of the least visited parts of New Zealand which means this place never feels crowded. The drive in through native forest is worth doing slowly.
Know a hidden gem in this region? Tell us at hello@beyondthemap.co.nz