Queenstown is arguably the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand. This South Island destination receives up to two million visitors each year. It is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty and has a fantastic outdoor terrain that offers its visitors a wide range of adventures to experience and some exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping fun like jet boarding, skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and so much more. There are several spots for indoor activities, including ski areas, bars, restaurants, and leisure spots. The location also has golf courses and gorgeous wineries for you to visit too. For accommodation, there are stunning lakefront hotels. For an indulgent stay, you will also find great heritage hotels. And when you’ve enjoyed all you can in this location, you can set out on day trips to some fantastic places around the city. Continue reading for the best day trips from Queenstown, New Zealand.
1. Alexandra
A day’s drive from Queenstown to Alexandra promises a great time. Sitting within an hour’s distance from Queenstown, Alexandra is a quaint town, set on the banks of the Clutha River. An amazing place to visit, it is blessed with so much natural beauty for you to see and experience. During summertime and autumn, the destination is awash with blooming flowers, and you can spend time visiting the beautiful vineyards, orchards, and shops for the freshest fruits. And in winter, there is a natural ice-skating spot to check out. This place also has a rich mining history that you can learn more about.
2. Central Otago
Also, sitting within a short driving distance from Queenstown, Central Otago is a prestigious town. Aside from its natives, the city is a great place to spend a day, as it offers a lot of fantastic options for leisure activities for couples, families, and solo travelers to enjoy. With its fascinating history, the town also boasts remarkable scenery, wineries, lush mountain ranges, exciting trails, and even exotic wildlife.
3. Milford Sound (from USD 195.0)
Once referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is one of the most frequently visited places in the country. This fjord, also called Piopiotahi, is a distance away from Queensland, but every minute of the 3.5-hour drive is worth it. Piopiotahi is home to the incredible waterfalls, bigger than the Niagara Falls. It is also home to some spectacular mountain ranges, luxuriant rainforests, lush valleys, and many other outstanding sceneries. You can take a full-day trip cruise with a guide from Queenstown to Piopiotahi and enjoy all its amazing sights.
Milford Sound Tour, Cruise from Queenstown by Luxury Coach
Duration: 12 hours
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4. The Catlins
If you are into beaches, then this rugged coastline town is the perfect day trip destination for you. The Catlins, located on the south coast, is filled with stunning beaches, diverse marine wildlife, and a traditional natural forest. It is a great place to relax and get your mind off all the rigors of travel and the stress of everyday life. See wondrous marine wildlife and bird species, including the rare yellow-eyed penguins, albatrosses, petrels, and the precious Hector’s dolphins. The journey from Queenstown to the Catlins takes around 3.5 hours.
5. Mt Aspiring National Park
A magnificent national park in the Southern Alps of South Island, the drive to Mt. Aspiring National Park takes just about 2 hours. This lovely park is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, and it sits on a 38,341-square-foot (3,562-square-meter) area, making it the third-largest park in the country. With Mount Aspiring standing at over 3,000 feet (914 meters) above sea level, the site is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.
6. The Routeburn Track
At just 45 minutes away from Queenstown by road, The Routeburn Track is the ultimate alpine adventure spot in New Zealand. Regarded to be one of the many Great Walks of the country, Routeburn track is about 19.8 miles (32 kilometers) long. One of the most captivating hikes to go on, it offers you the chance to see and enjoy breathtaking scenery, including broad green valleys, snow-capped mountains, high cliffs, shimmering lakes, and flowing rivers. The entire trail takes about two days to complete, and you can camp along the route.
7. Arrowtown (from USD 160.0)
Gold mining is a significant part of the country’s history, and one of the biggest gold mining sites is the historic Arrowtown. This unique town lies close to Wanaka, and it is surrounded by lush greenery. A trip to this place gives you a chance to explore and learn more about how the miners used to live and all the other mining details. The buildings lining the town are historical, and there is even an exquisite dining and shopping district for foodies and souvenir buyers. You can go on a full-day tour of the town, including a trip to the neighboring town, Wanaka.
Full-Day Arrowtown and Wanaka Tour from Queenstown
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
8. Glenorchy (from USD 108.62)
The boundary town of Glenorchy has so much natural beauty that it was used as the backdrop for epic movies, including The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery of this charming town, and don’t forget to take a camera along as the landscape makes for the best photo ops. This rustic town is located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) away from Queenstown. With lush beech forests, grand snow-capped mountains, stunning rivers, and lakes, this destination is a real paradise in New Zealand.
From Queenstown: Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour
Duration: 4.5 hour
9. Wanaka
Picturesque and gorgeous, Wanaka is a fabulous lakeside town. At just about 90 minutes’ drive away from Queenstown, this lovely town is blessed with mesmerizing landscapes, glistening, crystal clear lakes and rivers, snowy mountains, and so much more. Serene and very natural, this destination is the best place to escape all the adrenaline and noise from the main cities. Tucked away in the middle of the Southern Alps, it has a laidback atmosphere and very welcoming people too.
10. Paradise Valley (from USD 263.0)
Paradise Valley features some of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in the region, and it’s only 43.5 miles (70 kilometers) from Queensland. If you are an avid adventurer or photographer, your first point of interest should be the beach tree forests, featuring moss-covered mountains, including Mt. Aspiring National Park and native birds. From there, you should explore a path above the Diamond Lake, where you can sight several livestock farms. Also, if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, you can see the movie locations just after Diamond Lake, the scenic Arcadia Homestead. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Paradise Valley Full Day Tour
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
11. Fiordland National Park (from USD 185.0)
Your itinerary of New Zealand is not complete until you have scheduled a visit to Fiordland National Park. It is a haven of natural wonders, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw power and beauty of the New Zealand wilderness. Its dramatic landscapes, ancient forests, and pristine fjords make it a nature lover’s paradise. Prepare to be enchanted by its grandeur and untouched landscapes at every turn.
Embark on awe-inspiring hikes, such as the famous Milford Track or Routeburn Track, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the park. Marvel at cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and mirror-like lakes, all in the misty wilderness. Cruise through the majestic Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, where sheer cliffs rise from emerald waters, and be captivated by the abundant wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and penguins.
Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown
Duration: 13 hours
12. Cardrona (from USD 21.24)
Cardrona is a year-round destination that promises exhilarating adventures and stunning natural vistas, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking an unforgettable alpine experience in New Zealand. Known for its world-class ski resort, Cardrona Alpine Resort, it attracts winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
During winter, on your day tour from Queenstown, New Zealand, hit the slopes and carve your way through pristine powder snow. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the resort caters to all skill levels, offering a range of slopes and facilities. In the summer, Cardrona transforms into a haven for outdoor activities. Explore hiking and biking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, or go horseback riding through meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers.
Cardrona: Summer Gondola Sightseeing Pass
A picturesque destination
Queenstown is the most visited holiday region in all of New Zealand. With over 2 million people taking the time to visit the city, it is a remarkable place for outdoor fun. It is blessed with beautiful outdoor terrain, making it the best place for thrilling and exciting fun. And when you’ve had enough of this destination, try out some fantastic day trips and things to do near Queenstown, New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Queenstown
1. Which locations near Queenstown are good for avoiding crowds?
If you are a nature lover and would like to spend some time in the blissful tranquility of natural landscapes, you can explore some of the lesser crowded places such as Glenorchy or Paradise Valley during your day tours from Queenstown.
2. Where can one go from Queenstown for some adventure amidst nature?
If you would like a dose of adventure amidst the scenic landscapes during your day tours from Queenstown, some of the great places to explore are Paradise Valley and Cardrona.
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