Queenstown Region

The Early Start is Everything

The Queenstown Region has no shortage of great walks, but the one thing that makes or breaks most of them is timing. Once the gondola starts releasing hikers around 9.30-10am, the popular trails fill up fast. The Ben Lomond Track is a big day out with a serious ascent and genuinely great views at the top, but get going early. On the way back, the Tiki Trail gets congested through the day, so consider looping back via Fernhill instead.

Head Out to Glenorchy

My pick for the best walking in the region is out at Glenorchy, about an hour's scenic drive from town. If you can stay the night at Sylvan DOC Campsite, you'll beat the tour buses and get an early crack at the Lake Sylvan Track - a 1.5-hour return walk to a really beautiful lake with a brand new bridge. If you want something easier, the Routeburn Nature Walk takes about an hour and suits pretty much any fitness level.

For the fit and keen, the Earnslaw Burn Track is seriously rewarding but genuinely tough - it needs an overnight if you want the full experience. Pack sandfly repellent for anything out this way.