Attractions Nearby Queenstown, Day Trips and Excursions

(Queenstown, Otago, South Island, New Zealand)



Picture of Arrowtown's famous rockface clockThe Otago region of New Zealand's South Island is filled with natural attractions and Queenstown is a very convenient base for day trips, with bus operators regularly offering inexpensive excursions. The town of Arrowtown lies directly off the highway and between Queenstown and Cromwell, and offers attractions ranging from museums to a leading golf course.

Many appealing resorts are dotted around the shoreline of Lake Wakapitu, such as Glenorchy, which is less than an hours' drive away from Queenstown and perfect for a day's New Zealand tramping (hiking). Day trips to the attractions around Kawarau Gorge are also recommended, as well as to Kingston, Milford Sound, Te Anau and the tourist hotspot of Wanaka and the adjoining Mount Inspiring National Park.


View of central Arrowtown

Arrowtown

Just over 20 km / 12 miles away, Arrowtown is simple to reach from Queenstown and home to an exceptionally beautiful avenue, where in excess of 60 wooden buildings are to be found, being regularly photographed by visiting day trippers. Often very busy at the weekends, Arrowtown offers an array of quality attractions around Buckingham Street, such as the Lake District Museum and Gallery, and an authentic example of a Chinese settlement during the gold-rush days. The Arrowtown Golf Course may also appeal, while at 14 km / 8.5 miles to the north, Macetown is something of a ghost town and a good place to come if you fancy trying your hand at panning for gold.

Cromwell photograph, showing famous signpost and fruit

Cromwell

Cromwell is a modern town located part way between Queenstown and Wanaka, where it is known for its seasonal fruit, as shown by the enormous and very colourful model fruit as you drive into the town. Old Cromwell Town is where the most historic attractions reside and here Melmore Terrace is lined by attractive old buildings, many of which overlook the Dunstan Dam. Several gold-mining sites are literally just minutes away, such as Bannockburn, Bendigo and Kawarau, along with various wineries and holiday parks.

Photo of the beautiful Glenorchy landscape

Glenorchy

The small and rather charming hamlet of Glenorchy stands at the very head of Lake Wakapitu and is just 46 km / 29 miles to the north-west of Queenstown. Many tourists rather bypass the attractions of Glenorchy as they travel along the Routeburn Track. However, if you have the time, the tramping trails around the Dart River Valley are quite excellent, as are the jet-boat safaris along the Dart River, which offer breathtaking views of Mount Earnslaw along the way and last just over an hour. Nearby, the town of Paradise lies within easy reach, together with the Pisa Range, the Harris Mountains and the Treble Cone.

Kawarau Gorge picture

Kawarau Gorge

Situated roughly 53 km / 33 miles to the east of Queenstown, the steep Kawarau Gorge is well placed for a day trip and offers awesome views. Of note, the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge crossing this valley is now listed on New Zealand's Register of Historic Places, and forms a commercial site for Bungee jumping, some 43 metres / 141 feet above the fast flowing waters. Tourists and adventure seekers also come to the Kawarau Gorge for its river surfing and white-water rafting opportunities, and to check out the famous scenery that made an appearance in the 2001 Lord of the Rings movie, 'The Fellowship of the Ring'.

Image of Kingston's restored steam train

Kingston

Kingstown is to be found less than 50 km / 31 miles to the south of Queenstown, on the southerly side of Lake Wakatipu and 70 km / 43 miles to the north of Lumsden. This inviting, small town offers a number of attractions, with the historic railway service known as the 'Kingston Flyer' being the main draw card. This resorting steam train operates between October and April, travelling along a 14-km / 8.5-mile stretch of track and taking in some spectacular mountainous scenery, before stopping in Fairlight.

Wanaka view, showing the lake and resort

Wanaka

A leading summer and winter tourist resort, Wanaka is especially famous for its annual New Year's celebrations and resides alongside the shoreline of Lake Wanaka, near to Lake Hawea. Many excellent outdoor attractions and activities present themselves in Wanaka, particularly around the Mount Inspiring National Park, where there are over 100 different glaciers. Highlights include hiking (tramping), rock climbing, waterfall abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, jet-boating, white-water rafting and even skydiving. Wanaka can be found approximately 70 km / 43 miles to the north-east of Queenstown and is just over 15 km / 9 miles south of the town of Hawea.