Queenstown · HIKING & TREKKING
14 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend: the 14 hiking & trekking worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Wanaka intermediate horseback trek with Central Otago gold-rush stories, river crossings, and a stop for a drink at the Cardrona Hotel.
“Amazing experience!! Great views all along the way! Kelly was informative on the tour while riding, but we also did a decent amount of trotting and cantering. Would definitely recommend this tour!”
Lake Whakatipu cruise plus a beginner-friendly Walter Peak horse trek, with tea and a small-group feel in Queenstown, NZ.
“Spectacular place, guide was awesome. All around a good time”
A beginner-friendly 2-hour horse trek in Cardrona Valley, tracing Otago’s gold-rush paths with small groups, Lake Wānaka views, and great photo moments.
“Was a great walk on the horses around the paddock and up over the mountains into the fields. The instructor made us all feel very safe on the horses at all times. Steps and techniques are kept simple for beginners which is what I chose. I hRead more”
Half-day TSS Earnslaw cruise and easy horse trek at Walter Peak, with scones and small-group views of the Remarkables.
“We had such an amazing time on this steamboat and horse riding tour. The cruise was so enjoyable and beautiful. The horses were calm, well cared for, which made the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. The scenery along the ride Read more”
Guided Milford Track hike to Giant’s Gate, then a 2-hour small-boat Milford Sound cruise with wildlife spotting. From $215.
“What an amazing day! Due to weather conditions we had to reschedule our trip to the next day (torrential rain caused many trees to fall onto the road that goes into Milford sound). It was so easy to reschedule, the company were incredible at making sure we were still able to get our experience. The guide for the hike was so lovely! The hike and cruise were both amazing with stunning views. Highly recommend”
From Queenstown, plane and helicopter you to Tasman Glacier for a guided crampon hike through ice caves and tunnels.
“One of the best days I've ever had. Firstly we had a small group flight to Franz Joseph, which had spectacular views, I had never been in a small plane before, but it was fantastic to see the Southern Alps from above. Our pilot gave us points of interest as flew, and it was interesting hear the air traffic control. Next, the helicopter ride to the glacier, was short but sweet. Again, first time in a heli, and it was impressive to see the glacier from above. The glacier itself was amazing, blue ice that we trekked over, using grips and trekking polls. We had a few hours on the…”
Small-group bus to Aoraki Mt Cook plus a Tasman Glacier heli hike with two scenic flights, gear provided, weather-dependent adventure.
“The driver and the tour guide, "Plate" (the sound of his name) was trying to create a positive atmosphere for this Mt Cook tour on a cold and rainy day (5th April, 2023) He's knowledgeable and introduced related background information about the things we saw along the route to Mt Cook. The cafe in Omarama that we stopped for a break was fantastic and we had a lovely hot chocolate and sandwiches for morning tea there. (much better than another cafe in Omarama which is chosen by InterCity) He also kept us up-to-dated to the weather condition that might affect our helicopter flight to glacier (was cancelled due to the…”
A 2-hour horse trek from Cromwell into Central Otago hills, with gentle, ability-matched horses and big views of Lake Dunstan.
“My girlfriend and I had a wonderful experience with Karo and her horses! I highly recommend this tour with Golden Hills Horse Treks. Landscape is beautiful, Karo is really nice and the horses so cute and well behaved! Thanks again :)”
Guided Routeburn Track full-day hike from Queenstown with lunch, snacks, water, and expert bird and forest stories.
“Well experienced guide, friendly group of people, breathtaking view, amazing experience for beginner”
Fly to Mt Aspiring, hike Siberia River, then jet boat back through crystal-clear water on a half-day adventure near Wanaka.
“GREAT experience! Traveled with my son on this adventure that includes planes, hiking and a jet boat. Plane holds only 4 people and takes off/lands on a grass field which is a NZ way to start. 20-30 minute flight around the valleys and then laRead more”
Fly from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier by plane and helicopter, then hike with crampons for a once-in-a-lifetime South Island ice adventure.
“A dream come to true to tick off my bucket list as a solo traveller! I met friends and shared the experience. Beautiful majestic scenery displayed and interpreted well. Friendly staff and knowledgeable on safety who took a respectful interest. Safe flights in plane and helicopter. I loved it and would recommend it it to people who are injury free and with a good fitness level. Especially those who like day or afternoon hikes already.”
Small-group Routeburn Track hike from Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu views, guided rainforest walk, Glenorchy stop, and round-trip transport.
“Great hike with Charles! Beautiful views, very knowledgeable about plant and bird identification. Had our own private vehicle and guided time for 4.”
Fly over Mount Aspiring, hike the Siberia Valley, then race a jet boat on the Wilkin River. A high-impact Wānaka wilderness day.
Guided Rob Roy Glacier hike from Wanaka with a swing-bridge crossing and lunch overlooking glacier country in Mt Aspiring National Park.
“We (my son and I) had a great experience with Markus as our Guide. The hike is a beautiful route. Beautiful drive up Matukituki Valley. Start at a sheep farm, cross a river on a swing bridge, into a cold temperate rain forest, along a gorge above a roaring river, to a clearing to get views of a hanging glacier and waterfalls across the valley. Saw a Kea up close. The only mountain parrots in the world. Heard and saw booming avalanches. An easy to moderate hike on a good track with an elevation gain of about 450m over about 6.5km and then back the same route. Markus is an…”
