Jaw-Dropping Day Trips from Queenstown You Won’t Want to Miss

“There’s a real purity in New Zealand… It’s actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore.” ~ Elijah Wood.

So, you’re looking for some exciting day trips from Queenstown? If this is your first time visiting New Zealand’s adrenalin capital, I can promise that you’re going to be blown away by some of Mother Nature’s finest beauty! A visit to Queenstown is like walking into a real-life oil painting, where brush strokes are effortlessly combined to create a living, breathing, yet ever-changing masterpiece.

Despite its compact size, there are tonnes of things to see and do in Queenstown. But my guess is you’re here because you’re looking to explore more of Central Otago and beyond, right? The question is not why plan a day trip from Queenstown, but why not?

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend an extended amount of time living in New Zealand and to make the most of this, I’ve visited many destinations surrounding Queenstown. There’s more than you may think, each as equally amazing as the next.

If you’re interested to learn about some of the best day trips from Queenstown to add to your New Zealand itinerary, read on for more!

 

Jaw-Dropping Day Trips from Queenstown You Won’t Want to Miss

New Zealand has managed to maintain its exquisite natural beauty partly because of its somewhat isolated location in the world, and partly because the locals are incredibly passionate about the environment in which they live.

During your time in New Zealand, please remember to be as “invisible” as possible to help maintain the pristine condition of the natural environment. No one likes an annoying tourist!

Hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around New Zealand’s South Island. Click here for rental car prices and to book.

 

In saying that, let’s get into the exciting options for Queenstown day trips:

MOKE LAKE

20 minutes from Queenstown
Moke Lake is perhaps one of my favourite day trips from Queenstown! And at only a 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre, you’d be crazy not to visit on a clear day. This fairly hidden gem is just waiting to be explored.

If you’re really lucky and the conditions are right, you can see the glorious Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) dancing in the lake’s mirror at night!

Things to do at Moke Lake

From easy lakeside hikes to fishing, camping and boating, you can read more in my detailed guide about things to do at Moke Lake. For now, below are some images to feed your curiosity about this stunning lesser-known spot just outside Queesntown.

ARROWTOWN

20 minutes from Queenstown
With 70 buildings from the gold rush era, my visit to Arrowtown felt like stepping into a miniature metropolis that time forgot. Arrowtown has an interesting gold mining history, springing to life in the 1860’s when gold was first found here by both native Maori and European settlers.

Once much of the gold had been mined from the local area, European settlers headed over to the Southern Alps in the hope of finding more. In their absence Chinese miners set to work, creating a small village where they stayed until 1928.

The grand Avenue of Trees was planted in 1867 by the Europeans, making Arrowtown an unmissable day trip from Queenstown if you visit during the autumn foliage months. I love Arrowtown with its numerous cafes as it’s a perfect brunch spot and the gold rush era architecture is beautifully preserved. The town is also committed to sustainable tourism, a topic I’m very passionate about.

Things to do in Arrowtown

• Shop for souvenirs at the Arrowtown Post Office or other homewares, NZ made arts and gift shops
• Pay a visit to the Arrowtown Wine Street store for an excellent regional wine selection
• Play golf in a picturesque setting in one of Arrowtown’s four golf courses
• Head to one of the many famous hiking trails to enjoy mountain and lake views (view the full list of hikes here)
• Hire a bike and cycle along the popular Queenstown Trail
• Visit one of the many art galleries or museums on local history and culture such as the Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
• Have a shot at gold panning in the Arrow River.

TIP: If you don’t have a car, it’s possible to visit Arrowtown as well as Gibbston Valley and Glenorchy on this guided tour.

GLENORCHY

45 minutes from Queenstown
Just the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic you can take in New Zealand. Seriously! Located at the northernmost tip of Lake Wakatipu, I’ve made this journey on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road in both the summer and winter months.

My gosh, if you’re anything like me and want to keep stopping for photo opportunities – the 45 minute drive from Queenstown could easily take double the amount of time!

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, Glenorchy is the real life Middle-earth™. The snow-capped landscapes, pristine rivers and variety of activities surrounding Glenorchy make it a popular day trip from Queenstown. Glenorchy is also the beginning to one of New Zealand’s Great hikes, the Routeburn Track.

Things to do in Glenorchy

• Have a go at horse riding on the beautiful trails
• Try your hand kayaking in an inflatable “Fun Yak” during summer. The colour of the water really has to be seen to be believed!
• Get your adrenalin rush on the famous Dart River Shotover jet boat ride
• Go hiking around the many trails
• Take a guided Lord of the Rings tour
• Enjoy zipping through the trees and over rivers on a ziplining route
• Try out quad biking or mountain biking.

CARDRONA

45 minutes from Queenstown
Not in the mood for skiing but want to see some snow? A drive to Cardrona is right up your alley!

I’d only recommend the journey up to the ski fields when the weather allows for clear visibility. The winding roads on the cliff edges don’t have much of a barrier and black ice can be hazardous.

If the weather is on your side, the view across the valley to the snow-capped mountains on the horizon is definitely worthwhile. I couldn’t help but feel like I was a bird hovering above the clouds gazing down at the valley below.

Cardrona Valley also has one of the most unusual attractions I’ve ever seen, the Bra Fence. For reasons that no one really knows, bras mysteriously began to appear hanging on this fence back in 1998. Eventually, more and more bras were added to it, causing these women’s undergarments to become a little tourist attraction.

Apparently at one point a disgruntled local began to cut the bras from the fence off only to find more would reappear in their place. In 2015, the fence was dubbed as “Bradrona” to help raise awareness about breast cancer. If you have some spare change you can pop it into the pink collection box besides the fence to donate to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Things to do in Cardrona

• Take in the amazing views over Cardrona Valley
• In the town, grab a drink at the famed Cardrona Hotel
• Pay a visit to the Cardrona Whiskey Distillery
• Be puzzled by the mysterious Bra Fence
• Hit the ski fields, popular with locals and tourists alike.

WANAKA

1 hour from Queenstown
Wanaka is another stunning destination that’s one of my favourites in the country. I’m so fortunate to have visited in summer and winter because each season is just as incredible as the other! The scenery surrounding Lake Wanaka will literally take your breath away, you have been warned.

In recent years, Wanaka has shot to fame thanks to the popularity of a lone tree that appears to float on the lake’s surface. Images of “That Wanaka Tree” against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains exploded on social media. Fame draws crowds so it’s common to spot professional and amateur photographers setting up on the shore to shoot the tree at dusk.

NOTE: “That Wanaka Tree” is at least 80 years old and is a beloved symbol of the town to locals. So the tree can be around in future, please don’t be that annoying tourist who climbs on the tree for photos. Recently tourists have been damaging the branches of the tree when climbing it for an Insta-worthy shot, resulting in signage warning of the dangers.

Things to do in Wanaka

• Enjoy adventure activities such as paragliding, abseiling, skydiving and more
• Take some beautiful (and respectful) shots of That Wanaka Tree
• Stroll around Lake Wanaka’s shores
• Pay a visit to the Wanaka Lavender Farm
• Take a scenic flight over Mt Aspiring National Park to see the incredible glaciers from above
• Hike up to Roy’s Peak, a half-day adventure with an unforgettable scenic reward
• Have a laugh at Wanaka Puzzling World, there’s nothing else like it – crazy optical illusion rooms, a Puzzle Centre and huge maze that looks much easier than it actually is. Take my word for it!
• Visit Mt Aspiring National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage area.

WALTER PEAK COUNTRY FARM

1 hour 30 minutes cruise from Queenstown
Here’s your chance to cruise on the stunning Lake Wakatipu! The TSS Earnslaw is the last operating steam boat in the Southern Hemisphere and is the perfect day trip from Queenstown if you’d like to appreciate snow-capped mountains from the water. 

I loved my day trip to Walter Peak Country Farm from Queenstown on the The TSS Earnslaw. Here, you can feed the farm animals (great for kids) learn a little more about them and life on the farm. You’ll also be able to witness a sheepdog herding a flock and learn what happens to a sheep when its hooves are raised off the ground during a shearing demonstration.

To top off a great day before you head back to Queenstown, enjoy the delicious afternoon tea provided in the cosy homestead. I highly recommend it! More info in my guide to things to do in Queenstown.

TIP: For an even more off-the-beaten-track experience from Queenstown, it’s possible to visit the farm without a cruise on this forest and famous movie locations tour.

DOUBTFUL SOUND

2 hours 30 minutes drive from Queenstown, 35 minutes by flight
Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park is a day trip from Queenstown I’m actually yet to do, so it’s high on the bucket list for my next visit. From what I have read, this sister to Milford Sound (below) is supposedly more incredible than it’s popular bigger sibling!

This pristine and practically untouched location is the deepest of all New Zealand’s fjords and is also known as “the Sound of Silence” thanks to the tranquility of the area. There is no settlement or town at Doubtful Sound so the surrounding scenery is exactly how it first appeared to the Maori and European settlers centuries ago.

Due to its isolated location, the fastest way to access Doubtful Sound as a day trip from Queenstown is by doing a cruise or flight. Although a more time-consuming alternative, coaches are also available over Wilmot Pass and the drivers provide insight into local farming in the area during the journey.

Things to do in Doubtful Sound

• Soak up the incredible scenery from a wilderness cruise or scenic helicopter flight on a guided tour from Queenstown
• Kayak your way along the river
• Watch New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland penguins and bottlenose dolphins in their native habitat.

INVERCARGILL

2 hours 20 minutes drive from Queenstown
Did you know Invercargill is considered the southern-most city in the entire Commonwealth? This seaside town was founded in the 1850’s and is another one of the stunning day trips from Queenstown I am yet to experience.

If you love Art Deco, Victorian and Edwardian architecture like I do, you should add Invercargill to your South Island itinerary for some old-world charm.

During the summer months you can expect about 16 hours of daylight in Invercargill with the sun rising before 6am and setting just before 10pm. These extra hours of light make it a perfect day trip from Queenstown as you’re able to take advantage of the extra daylight. Naturally this phenomena works in reverse as well, with only 8 hours of daylight during winter’s peak so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Things to do in Invercargill

• Take a guided tour through Invercargill Brewery
• See what it’s like to dig with heavy machinery at Dig This
• Use your hire car to explore the half-day Invercargill Heritage Trail, including the famous Water Tower
• Taste the best cheeseroll at Southland’s Sheep Milk Cafe
• Visit Bill Richardson Transport World to view a vintage truck collection
• Enjoy a stroll through the tree-lined Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
• Explore the coastal stretch of Oreti Beach
• If you’re lucky, admire the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) dancing overhead at night.

AORAKI / MT COOK

3 hours 15 minutes drive from Queenstown
If time permits, a day trip to Mt Cook National Park is an absolute must if you’re a mountain lover. Known as Aoraki to the locals, this is the tallest mountain in the country, towering a whopping 3724 metres above the Southern Alps region. Located within the park are 27 additional mountain peaks over 3000 metres high.

I’d have to say visiting Aoraki National Park was a sure highlight of my first trip to New Zealand. Maori legend says the three peaks making up Aoraki’s summit were brothers who became stranded in a canoe and turned to stone while waiting to be rescued.

Did you know Kiwi Sir Edmond Hillary used the jagged peaks of Mt Cook to perfect his climbing skills in preparation for climbing Mt Everest? Along with a Nepalese Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay, Hillary was the first climber to reach the summit of Mt Everest in 1953. An interesting Alpine Centre showcasing climbing gear from that era can be found within Mt Cook Village.

Just 25 minutes hike from Mt Cook Village is the impressive Tasman Glacier lake, a stunning location not to be missed and many activities are available to make the most of your visit.

TIP: If you’re tempted to spend the night and do some stargazing, I can highly recommend a stay in The Hermitage. The panoramic views outside your window will leave you speechless! 

Things to do at Mt Cook

• Enjoy a glacier lake cruise to get up close to icebergs and the icy glacier
• Embark on a helicopter ride over the Tasman Glacier (and hike on it if you dare)
• Go snowshoeing at the Tasman Glacier summit
• If ice climbing is your thing, this is also possible combined with a helicopter ride
• Enjoy many of the nature walks in Aoraki National Park
• Take advantage of Mt Cook’s International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing sites on Earth. Learn more about the cosmos at the full dome planetarium, too.

DUNEDIN

3 hours 30 minutes drive from Queenstown
Is Dunedin worth visiting? In short, absolutely. During my first trip to New Zealand my travel buddy and I skipped the second-largest city in the South Island as our local friends said there wasn’t much there. Oh, how wrong they were!

Dunedin will always be the perfect example of why you shouldn’t take someone’s word for it if they say a destination is not worth the time (apologies to my friends if you’re reading this but you know it’s true, haha).

There is so much to see and do in Dunedin and the surrounding region, you can very easily fill a day. The city is actually named after the Scottish Gaelic word for Edinburgh, Dùn Èideann. With evidence of the city’s Scottish roots dotted throughout, Dunedin may leave you wanting to stay longer. 

With New Zealand’s only castle, sweeping vistas, rare local wildlife and the steepest street in the world, my time in Dunedin completely blew my expectations out of the water! If I’m being honest, it reminded me a lot of its namesake – Scotland’s capital – and I absolutely loved it.

Things to do in Dunedin

• Enjoy exploring the grounds of Larnach Castle with incredible surrounding scenery
• Take a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Centre
• See fur seals and penguins in their native habitat on a Otago Peninsula guided tour
• Pay a visit to Baldwin Street, the steepest in the world
• Admire the beauty of the gothic-style Dunedin Railway Station. It’s the most photographed building in the entire country!
• Visit the impressive Otago Museum, home to the beautiful World of Butterflies and many exhibitions on local history, culture, science and more
• Take some photos at St Clair Beach with its picturesque old pier ruins
• Explore the scenic Tunnel Beach
• Take a detour and visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, 1 hour’s drive north. These massive and perfectly round boulders look like someone dropped dozens of dragon’s eggs onto the beach! No one really knows what they are or how they got there, but they make for some very intriguing shots.

MILFORD SOUND

3 hours 45 minutes drive from Queenstown by road, 30 minutes by flight
The jewel within the crown of Fiordland National Park, imagery from Milford Sound is splashed across every tourist brochure and New Zealand travel guide. And with good reason! It’s known internationally as the country’s most spectacular natural wonder, a that claim is hard to argue.

Milford Sound is classified as part of the the Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site and has been labelled as the “eighth Wonder fo the World” by Ruyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book. The winding fiords and steep cliff ledges were carved out by glaciers over millions of years, resulting in the breathtaking untouched scenery we witness today.

Wildlife lovers will marvel at the abundance of penguins, fur seals, bottle nose dolphins and even humpback wales that call this gorgeous area home. Despite its super remote location, Milford Sound is the most visited tourist attraction in all of New Zealand. Access is available by self-driving, coach or air travel options.

Things to do in Milford Sound

• Visit the stunning Mirror Lakes
• Get plenty of photos of the towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls from a Southern Discoveries cruise
• Take a popular Milford Sound nature cruise with lunch option
• Enjoy a fiord cruise with an underwater observatory and kayaking experience
• Admire the amazing scenery from above on a Milford Sound helicopter flight or an aerial scenic experience from Queenstown
• If you haven’t got your own car, a full day tour from Queenstown by coach is available.

Tips for car rental and driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand is definitely part of the fun! If you’re curious to find out the cost for car rental during your Queenstown visit, click here. There is literally a picture-perfect landscape to be found around every turn. In saying that, there are many factors to consider when driving in New Zealand you may not have thought of.

Overall, allow more time that you expect to reach your destination due to the nature of rapidly-changing weather conditions and windy roads. Remember these handy New Zealand driving tips and you’ll be good to go:

• Always read the fine print of your hire car agreement to know what you are and aren’t covered for
• Check your hire car for any scratches or damage before you drive off. Let staff know if something hasn’t been marked on the car’s paperwork
• Ensure you have a suitable drivers licence. You must carry it at all times when driving
• Always remember to KEEP LEFT when driving in New Zealand
• Although many of the roads are in good condition they can be narrow, windy and steep in parts
• Some roads can be just gravel or dirt
• Many roads outside cities are single lane and without a barrier
• Expect lots of hairpin corners when driving through mountain ranges
• Ensure you have enough petrol to last your journey to avoid getting stranded
• Check the weather forecast before you leave to prepare for weather conditions appropriately
• If driving in areas with snow you may need snow chains. Be prepared for icy roads during winter.

Concluding the must-do Queenstown day trips

So there you have my favourite day trips from Queenstown! I feel so lucky to have explored the regions surrounding Queenstown, much of it is so unspoilt. I’d have to say the most convenient way to get around would be by car, but if you’re quite short on time and prefer to splurge a little on a flight to Milford or Doubtful Sound, that would be an unforgettable experience. Go for it!

Which of these Queenstown day trips do you now plan to add to your New Zealand itinerary? I’d love to hear, let me know in the comments below.

If you found this guide helpful take a look at all my articles on New Zealand, more destinations I’ve covered in the Oceania region or come and join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok or Instagram for more inspiration!

Second pin image credit: Unsplash
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