In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Queenstown and surroundings - South Island
Queenstown is nicknamed the adventure capital of the world, because it specialized in thrill-seeking activities. Built on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the view from the top of the cable car is truly breathtaking, with the mountains all around. But the region around Queenstown shouldn't be overshadowed by this city. A number of other sites are well worth a visit, such as Wanaka, which is world-renowned even if the name probably doesn't ring a bell.
Lake Wanaka
No hike
Depending on wish
Free
The town of Wanaka probably doesn't mean much to many people. Yet one tree (and one tree alone) has made it internationally famous, and probably contributed in part to the development of tourism in the town. Wanaka became famous thanks to a solitary tree planted in Lake Wanaka, in the middle of the water (at times, the trunk can be dry!). At the most beautiful times of the day (sunrise and sunset), this slightly bent willow tree poses in front of the Southern Alps. Here's a tip for photographers: it's best to arrive well before sunrise and especially sunset to get the best spot, as you won't be alone.
Haast Highway
200m one way - 5 min
30 minutes
Free
Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail falls
Easily accessible, Thunder Creek Falls is a pretty 28-metre waterfall. There's a viewing platform, but you can walk down to the river's edge.
Fantail Falls is a little further away and less beautiful. The beach is overrun with cairns.
The Haast River, with its impressive color and transparency, forms a beautiful backdrop to the waterfalls.
Access: on Route 6 or Haast Highway, 52 km from the town of Haast for Thunder Creek Falls and 58 km for Fantail Falls.
No hike
Depending on wish
Free
Cameron Flat
Cameron Flat is a pleasant spot for a picnic overlooking snow-capped mountains and the Makarora River.
Access: on Route 6 or Haast Highway, 71 km from the town of Haast.
1,5 km one way - 20 min
1 hour
Free
Blue Pools
The pools of clear turquoise water are the highlight of this walk. Unfortunately, at the time of our trip in 2023, the suspension bridges crossing the river were closed due to their dilapidation. The walk therefore stops at the first bridge where you can walk down to the river's edge.
Access: on Route 6 or Haast Highway, 72 km from the town of Haast.
No hike
Depending on wish
Free
Arrowtown
Depending on wish
Depending on wish
Free
A tourist village located a few kilometers from Queenstown, whose historic heart has preserved a few “western” buildings, remnants of the 1862 gold rush era. The “tour” of this historic district is fairly quick (just one street).
Access: between Wanaka and Queenstown.
Queenstown
Depending on wish
Depending on wish
Free
As mentioned above, Queenstown is known as the “adventure capital of the world”. It abounds in activities with or without thrills. Not being bungee jumpers or parachute jumpers ourselves... we were content with calmer activities that allowed us to see the city from below and above.
The Skyline Gondola provides access to a high vantage point over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It's not cheap (30 euros per person for a return trip), but it's well worth it and requires no physical effort (the climb can also be made on foot).
Like all major cities, Queenstown has its own public garden, located on a peninsula on Lake Wakatipu. Although fairly small, it is nonetheless magnificent (like so many other New Zealand public gardens), with gigantic trees and superb flowers. If, by chance, you're there (as we were) in spring, the blossoms are at their peak and it's a real feast for the eyes.
We also visited the town on foot, but there's nothing to distinguish Queenstown from any other tourist town: souvenir stores, sports equipment, restaurants, including the famous Fergburger (said to be one of the best burgers in the world), with long queues all day long.
Access: Queenstown.
Glenorchy
No hike
1 hour
Free
Less well known than Wanaka's solitary tree, Glenorchy is home to a row of trees with trunks resting in Lake Wakatipu. With the mountains in the background, it's very photogenic.
On the road between Quenstown and Glenorchy, a stop at Bennetts Bluff viewpoint is a must for a panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu.
Access: Glenorchy.
Lodging
We have tested :
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC