Natural Attractions

The Views That Actually Earn It

The natural attractions here are genuinely special, but you have to be a bit strategic about how you approach them. Ben Lomond is the big one near town - a full day's effort, proper ascent, and the view from the top is worth every step. Leave early though, because once the gondola starts releasing people around 9:30-10am the trail gets busy fast. If crowds put you off, there's better stuff just down the road.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Onsen Hot Pools

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.5 17 reviews

Go to Glenorchy

An hour from Queenstown sits what the locals call Paradise, and honestly the name fits. The drive alone is worth it, but the Lake Sylvan walk is the one to do - 1.5 hours return to a genuinely beautiful lake, and there's a brand new bridge on the track. Routeburn Nature Walk is another easy option that works for all ages. Stay the night at Sylvan DOC Campsite so you can get out on the trails before the tour buses roll in - that's the move. Just pack the sandfly repellent.

The hot pools side of things is worth knowing about too. The Onsen Hot Pools just out of Queenstown get solid reviews for their alpine views and cedar-lined pools. Promo code RANKERS gets you 10% off which softens the cost nicely for a proper soak after a big day on the hills.