Sitting high above New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination is the Queenstown Hill walking track. What makes it such a great hike is that you don’t need a car, and you can easily reach the start of the Queenstown walk from the town center. Although it won’t take you more than a couple of hours, the views of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Here’s what you need to know about the Queenstown Hill summit and why it’s one of the best hikes in Queenstown!
What Makes the Queenstown Hill Walking Track So Popular?
Queenstown Hill has been drawing visitors in for years with its quick climb and scenic views! The good news is is that the short climb won’t take up your whole day. That means it’s perfect for an early morning to start or a late afternoon hike to get some exercise.
Many of the most famous New Zealand hikes are in remote locations that you need a vehicle to reach. Yet for Queenstown Hill, you can climb directly from town to the trailhead and make your way up from there.
Another hike not to be missed in Queenstown is the Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak. You can check out our article below for more information!
→ Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak: Fun Hike & Epic Views of Queenstown NZ
About Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill Walking Track Start: Location
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
The first thing to know is that Queenstown Hill is fairly steep. Even though it’s not a long climb, the path will definitely leave you winded! Make sure to wear durable shoes and bring plenty of water.
We actually packed a small picnic and timed our hike so we could have lunch at the Queenstown Hill summit. The views are spectacular and it’s an incredible place to chill out and take it all in.
Our Day Hiking Queenstown Hill
We started our walk from Queenstown on a brisk October morning which ended up being perfect hiking weather. Unless you’re driving to the actual start of Queenstown Hill, you’ll have an extra bit of hiking to do before beginning the trail. The road up to the start of the hike is actually extra steep from Queenstown!
Once you make it onto the path, the first section of the Queenstown Hill walking track zig zags its way through the forest and up the mountain. About halfway up we started to get a glimpse at the surrounding mountains. Still, these views would be nothing compared to the Queenstown Hill summit!
When you reach the “Basket of Dreams” you’re almost there, but not quite. Another 20 minute climb, and you’ll be at the actual top of Queenstown Hill. If you’ve made it all this way be sure to push yourself to get to the summit. The views of the Remarkables are more than worth it!
Epic Views From the Queenstown Hill Summit
Once we reached the peak of Queenstown Hill we couldn’t believe our eyes. In one direction you can see the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the tremendous Remarkables mountains range. On the other side is more gorgeous scenery around Queenstown with the snow topped Southern Alps in the distance.
To put it simply, everywhere you look you’re literally surrounded by beauty! The summit of the Queenstown Hill walk is wide so you’ll have plenty of space to explore. This makes for unlimited photo opportunities and jaw dropping sights of New Zealand’s finest nature.
→ 18 Fun Things to do in Queenstown On Your First Visit
Where To Stay In Queenstown New Zealand
Ultra Luxury – Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel – Looking for a little luxury in between all your Queenstown hikes? This beautiful boutique hotel has panoramic views of Southern Alps, a restaurant on-site, and is close to all the best ski resorts.
Fun Vacation – Kamana Lakehouse – Just 5 minutes drive from the center of Queenstown is this amazing accommodation right on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy rooms with balconies and stunning views of the lake, and an art-deco style restaurant and bar.
Budget Travel – Mi-pad Smart Hotel – This high end, but budget friendly hotel is the perfect location near all the cities attractions. It’s just a short walk from start of the Tiki Trail in Queenstown, and all the best restaurants and bars in town.
Hostel Life – Tahuna Pod Hostel – This fun hostel is in the heart of Queenstown, and incorporates traditional Maori designs into its build. Choose from a multitude of pod rooms, or book a private room.
For more places to stay in Queenstown New Zealand you can explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions on Queenstown Hill, or want to share more of the best hikes in Queenstown? Leave us a comment at the bottom of this post!Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll still need a vehicle to get around. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from a Milford Sound cruise with underwater observatory, to a Otago wine tour with gourmet wine & lunch, and even a Kaikoura whale watching cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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South Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks – 7 Milford Sound Tips
Queenstown: Ben Lomond Track – Fergburger (Is it Worth It?) – Fun Wine Tour – Queenstown Restaurants – Arrowtown NZ
North Coast: Abel Tasman Day Hike – Wharariki Beach & Archway Islands – 6 Picton Things to Do
East Coast: Banks Peninsula – French Town of Akaroa – Tunnel Beach Dunedin – Hanmer Springs – Kaikoura
Mt. Cook & Tekapo: 10 Mount Cook Tips – Hooker Valley Track – 5 Can’t Miss Lake Tekapo
→ Explore all our North Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
