Discover Queenstown

Queenstown offers a range of ways to shape your stay: loop walks with stated durations sit alongside a challenging full-day hike; by the lake, there are gardens and a beach, as well as a historic landmark and a wildlife centre. For planning your day, duration, elevation gain and the viewpoints along each route offer practical guidance.

Walks and viewpoints

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 5.4-kilometre loop, with a stated duration of 2–3 hours. The Ben Lomond Track is quite different in terms of time required: from Queenstown, it is a challenging, full-day hike with an elevation gain of 1,438 metres. This makes it easier to choose between a shorter loop and a full day of hiking when planning your trip.

Access to the Ben Lomond Track via the Tiki Trail begins beside the base of the Skyline Gondola at the top of Brecon Street, near the centre of Queenstown. Weather, alpine hazards and track conditions can change; check the latest advisories before setting out. You should also check conditions on the Queenstown Hill Time Walk before your trip.

Queenstown Hill is known to Māori as Te Tapunui, meaning “mountain of great sacredness”. At the summit, rocky outcrops provide places to sit and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, the Frankton Arm and Queenstown Bay. The Ben Lomond Track also offers panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges; visibility depends on the weather.

Gardens and lakeside

Queenstown Gardens are on a small peninsula on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, right next to the centre of Queenstown. Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, explore the rose garden or play frisbee golf. On the Marine Parade side, there is a playground for tamariki; on Park Street, there is a skatepark.

From Queenstown Bay Beach, views stretch across Lake Whakatipu towards Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. The beach and the viewpoints on Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond therefore offer different perspectives on the lake, town and mountain ranges.

History and wildlife

The stone Courthouse at the entrance to Queenstown’s business district is a distinctive and highly valued landmark. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1876. Access to the Courthouse is private; it is not generally open to visitors.

The TSS Earnslaw is one of the world’s oldest and largest surviving coal-fired steamships and has been a fixture on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown since 1912. On board, visitors can see the engine room and its large steam engines; a museum with historical photographs also tells the ship’s eventful story. If you plan to visit, check current availability beforehand.

Kiwi Park is a five-acre wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown. During Kiwi Encounters, visitors can observe kiwis in a purpose-built nocturnal house and learn more about the birds from a professional wildlife team.

Plan your journey

An airport update dated 13 March 2026 mentions public buses connecting Queenstown Airport with the town centre and other destinations on the Orbus network. As transport arrangements can change, check the latest services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Albert Town, Wanaka, Closeburn, Arthurs Point, Gibbston, Mount Nicholas, Glenorchy, Kingston.

For the broader travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.