The 12 BEST Day Trips from Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the most popular destinations on New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. Known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, the town is filled with exciting activities and things to do.
However, Queenstown is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, especially if you’re visiting New Zealand without a car. There are so many unique and wonderful places to visit nearby.
During my six months in New Zealand, I used Queenstown as a permanent base between my adventures. This meant I got to spend lots of time exploring the area and experiencing all it had to offer.
In this guide, I’ve shared what I believe to be the absolute 12 best day trips from Queenstown. From the raw beauty of Milford Sound to the wineries of Central Otago, this diverse area has something to suit everyone.
Nearly all of the destinations mentioned in this post can be accessed by car, small group tour, public bus, or InterCity coach. While renting a car in New Zealand undoubtedly gives you the most flexibility, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore the wider area.
Milford Sound
Let’s start with a strong one – Milford Sound. Is any trip to New Zealand complete without seeing this wondrous place? I think not. If you only have time for a one-day trip from Queenstown, make it to Milford Sound.
Fondly nicknamed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, Milford Sound is a place of raw beauty. With dramatic mountains, stunning fiords and powerful waterfalls, it doesn’t get much more beautiful than Milford Sound.
Milford Sound is somehow even more special in the rain. As the heavens open, thousands of waterfalls appear as the water crashes down the side of the mountains.
Visiting Milford Sound is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. This makes it an incredibly popular spot and it can feel a bit busy at times. However, I don’t think its popularity takes away from its beauty. You still feel immersed in nature and it’s an incredible experience.
Many of the day tours to Milford Sound include a cruise. However, if you have a car, I’d highly recommend driving yourself from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The road is filled with stunning spots to explore, which many of the tours skip.
If you’re struggling to decide the best way to see Milford Sound, here are a few ideas:
Boat cruise
The most popular way to explore Milford Sound is by boat. Cruises normally last 90 minutes and take you right out to the Tasman Sea, cruising past various waterfalls. There are several boat operators in Milford Sound. I personally recommend Cruise Milford. They have a much smaller boat making it a more personal experience.
Scenic flight
Another popular way to visit Milford Sound is to take a scenic flight. These depart from Queenstown and the nearby Te Anau. You fly over Fiordland National Park and get a unique view of the mountains and mountain lakes. It’s truly a bucket list experience.
I didn’t get a chance to do this while I was in New Zealand, but it will be at the top of my list when I go back. I have several friends who did the scenic flight and they only had good things to say.
There’s also the option to land at the Milford Sound airport and join a cruise there.
Kayak
Kayaking is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to explore Milford Sound. Being on the water gives you a whole new perspective of Milford Sound. It also allows you to get much closer to the waterfalls and you can explore smaller inlets where the boats can’t fit.
One of my favourite things about kayaking in Milford Sound was seeing the wildlife. Milford Sound is known for its marine life including fur seals and bottlenose dolphins. While you can see the animals from the cruises too, it’s a much more personal and peaceful experience when you’re in a kayak.
If you want to kayak in Milford Sound, I can’t recommend Rosco’s Kayaks enough.
Overnight cruise
Overnight cruises on Milford Sound allow you to experience the fiord when the crowds go home. The tours normally start late in the afternoon and take you on a scenic cruise. You’ll then get to spend the night on the boat, anchored in the fiord.
There’s often the option to do activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding as part of the cruise. It’s a little on the expensive side, but normally includes all of your meals.
Underwater observatory
The Milford Sound underwater observatory is a unique attraction in the Harrison Cove area of Milford. The floating observatory allows visitors to get a unique perspective from beneath the waterline.
Southern Discoveries operates the tour, which includes a regular cruise and a stop at the observatory on the way back.
I have to say, I was suspicious about this and expected it to be very gimmicky. However, I genuinely enjoyed it. I had no idea that Milford Sound had such unique underwater life that mirrors the depths of the ocean. We saw several unique species of fish, black coral and even a spiny dogfish.
Milford Track
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This multi-day trek is an incredible experience which allows you to explore the area on foot.
It can take a bit of planning, but there’s a helpful Milford Track guide here.
Scenic drive
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, you’ll be pleased to hear that the road to Milford Sound is filled with incredible scenic spots to explore. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the road, viewpoints and various hikes in the area.
Arrowtown
Time from Queenstown: 20 minutes
20 minutes down the road from Queenstown is the historic Arrowtown, an absolute must-stop while exploring the South Island.
This old gold-mining town is rich in history and is a unique place to spend some time. There are several spots to explore in Arrowtown, including the old Chinese Settlement, which was once home to Chinese miners. You can also try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River.
If you’re short on time, Arrowtown is still a great place to spend a couple of hours. The main street in the tiny town is lined with cute cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops.
Arrowtown is also one of the best places in New Zealand to admire the beautiful autumn colours.
Tip: If you don’t have a car, you can take the number 2 bus from Queenstown to Arrowtown. It’ll take a bit longer than driving yourself, but it’s very affordable. If you have a car, there’s a stunning viewpoint over Arrowtown on the Crown Range Road.
Glenorchy
Time from Queenstown: 45 minutes
My day trip to Glenorchy from Queenstown was one of my favourite things I did in New Zealand. In my opinion, it’s one of the best day trips from Queenstown and an absolute must. Glenorchy is a beautiful town surrounded by stunning scenery. It has a Scottish Highlands feel to it, which might be where it gets its name.
While Glenorchy is beautiful, the road to Glenorchy is the star of the show. It’s one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand and is incredibly underrated. Glenorchy is only an hour’s drive from Queenstown, but plan for longer as there are so many incredible stops along the way.
Once you’re in Glenorchy, you can explore the beautiful Lagoon Walkway or join a horse-riding tour. It’s also the start (or end) of the famous multi-day Routeburn Track hike.
There’s no bus between Glenorchy and Queenstown, but there are day tours from Queenstown for those who don’t have a car.
Moke Lake
Time from Queenstown: 30 minutes
Moke Lake is a little less known than other places on my list. Despite being less popular, it’s no less beautiful.
Tip: The road to Moke Lake is unsealed, and in the winter, it can be inaccessible. If you have a hire car, it’s worth checking if you are insured to drive on the road.
Once you’ve reached the lake, you can walk around the hiking track or simply relax and admire the scenery.
Moke Lake is also a great sunset and stargazing spot near Queenstown.
Wanaka
Time from Queenstown: one hour
Known as ‘Queenstown’s Little Sister’, the peaceful town of Wanaka is an absolute must-visit while in New Zealand. In all honesty, Wanaka is more than a day trip and if you can, I’d recommend spending at least one night here.
Wanaka lies on the shores of a stunning lake and is surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps. While slightly quieter than the nearby Queenstown, there is still a selection of exciting things to do in Wanaka.
For those who love hiking, Wanaka is home to one of the best day hikes in New Zealand – Roys Peak. This iconic and challenging hike rewards hikers with the most incredible views of Lake Wanaka.
If you want a hike away from the crowds, consider the equally as beautiful Isthmus Peak.
Tip: When driving from Queenstown to Wanaka, be sure to stop at the Cardrona Hotel. This is one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand. It has a cosy vibe and serves up delicious food.
Other things to do in Wanaka include:
- A boat tour of Lake Wanaka
- Watersports including kayaking and jet boating
- A trip to Puzzle World
- A short hike to the top of Mount Iron
- Visit the Lavender Farm
- Hire a bike
- Check out the famous #thatwanakatree
Wanaka is an hour’s drive from Queenstown, or you can get the InterCity bus.
Lake Hayes
Time from Queenstown: 20 minutes
Lakes Hayes is a great day trip from Queenstown if you’re looking for an easy and short drive. Just down the road from Queenstown, this serene lake offers an escape from the crowds Queenstown is known for.
You can walk around the lake’s hiking trail or simply relax and admire the views.
If you don’t have a car, the number 5 bus from Queenstown will take you to Lake Hayes.
Mount Aspiring National Park
Time from Queenstown: varies depending on destination (but about one hour)
A few places mentioned on this list fall into Mount Aspiring (such as Wanaka), but this a huge area and there are so many other places to explore.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to make the most of New Zealand’s beauty, consider spending a day exploring this wonderful National Park. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, it’s truly a beautiful area.
One of Mount Aspiring National Park’s most accessible areas is the Haast Pass. Most people will drive through here when doing a road trip down the West Coast, but it could easily be done as a day trip from Queenstown (if you don’t mind driving back on yourself). Some of the highlights along the Haast Pass include the Blue Pools (check the latest opening status), Thunder Creek Falls, the Brewster Hut Hike, and the Haast Pass Lookout.
Another popular hike in Mount Aspiring is the Rob Roy Glacier hike. If you enjoy a challenging hike with an epic reward, this is the hike for you. It’s important to check the status of the track prior to visiting, as it is often closed. The road to the trailhead is unsealed.
Note: you will need a car to visit the destinations mentioned here.
Doubtful Sound
Time from Queenstown: 2 hours to Manapouri where you join a tour, a further 2 hours in transport
Doubtful Sound is another stunning gem in the wonderful Fiordland National Park. Similar to Milford Sound, this wonderful area highlights the true beauty of New Zealand. Surrounded by mountain peaks and waterfalls, a scenic cruise through Doubtful Sound is one of the best day trips from Queenstown.
Doubtful Sound is lesser known than Milford Sound, but it’s no less impressive. If anything, Doubtful Sound is more of an adventure. With fewer crowds and a bigger area to explore, Doubtful Sound really takes you off the beaten path.
The only way to visit Doubtful Sound is to join a day tour from Queenstown or Manapouri. My detailed guide explains more about visiting Doubtful Sound.
Mount Cook National Park
Time from Queenstown: 3 hours
Mount Cook is one of the most famous national parks on New Zealand’s South Island. Home to the tallest mountain in the country, Mount Cook, the area boasts some of the most wondrous scenery in New Zealand.
Mount Cook is often visited on a road trip between Queenstown and Christchurch, but for those who aren’t heading towards Christchurch, it’s a popular day trip from Queenstown.
It’s quite a long drive (3 hours each way), but you’re rewarded with incredible views of snow-capped mountains, giant suspension bridges and bright blue glacial lakes.
If you do opt for a day trip to Mount Cook, consider ticking off a bucket list activity by booking a scenic flight over the Southern Alp or skydiving over Mount Cook.
The area is also home to some of the best hikes in New Zealand. This includes the famous Hooker Valley Track, which rewards hikers with magnificent views of Mount Cook (on clear days) and the surrounding mountains.
The area is particularly beautiful in the winter months as snow covers the majority of the mountains. You can check the status of the Hooker Valley Track here. For a more challenging hike, consider the Sealy Tarns or Mueller Hut.
If you don’t have a car, there are several tour operators who run day trips to Mount Cook National Park. Most include time to hike Hooker Valley.
I personally recommend Cheeky Kiwi who I travelled with several times in New Zealand. They are small group tours meaning you won’t find yourself stuck on a coach with 100 other people. You can book the tour I recommend here.
Te Anau
Time from Queenstown: 2 hours
If you’re looking for a quieter day trip from Queenstown, consider the small town of Te Anau. Most people use Te Anau as an overnight base before visiting either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, but the town has a few notable things to do.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Te Anau sits on the shores of the second-largest lake in New Zealand. The area is also home to some unique glow worm caves. If you’re not visiting the North Island or Waitomo Caves, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are your best chance to see these magical creatures.
To explore the caves, you’ll need to join a guided tour from either Te Anau or Queenstown.
Other things to do in Te Anau include:
- Visiting the free bird sanctuary
- Take a scenic flight on the area’s only seaplane
- Hike the famous Kepler track
Lord of the Rings filming locations
Time from Queenstown: varies
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll be pleased to hear that Queenstown is close to many famous filming locations for Lord of the Rings.
The best way to explore Middle Earth is to join a guided tour. Many of the filming locations can be challenging to reach or hard to find, and having a guide will make everything a lot easier.
Tip: If you are planning to find the filming locations without a guide, be sure to stop at Mavora Lakes. The area was home to many iconic scenes and is absolutely beautiful. Not many tourists make it that far into the depths of wild New Zealand.
Several great tour options from Queenstown take you to notable filming locations, including this one which includes a ride along the famous Skippers Canyon.
Other places in Central Otago
Time from Queenstown: varies, but around 30 minutes
Queenstown sits in Central Otago, but there are several other notable destinations I’ve yet to mention, all of which are a great option to visit from Queenstown.
The Central Otago area of the South Island has a unique landscape and is known to be very dry. This makes it perfect for growing wine… specifically Pinot Noir. One of the best places to go wine tasting is the Gibbston Valley Winery. This famous winery is known to have some of the finest red wine in New Zealand.
Of course, driving and wine tasting don’t exactly go hand in hand. However, there is a brilliant hop-on hop-off wine tasting bus that begins in Queenstown. It includes stops at several famous wineries, including Gibbston Valley.
If wine tasting doesn’t appeal to you, Central Otago has lots more to offer. Consider a visit to the historic Kawarau Gorge or ride one of the many cycling trails.
