6 Day Trips Everyone Needs to Take from Queenstown

It's no secret that Queenstown is in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand's South Island.

Beyond the perimeters of the soaring peaks of The Remarkables and the meandering coves of Lake Wakatipu, there are countless other picture-perfect panoramas and outdoor adventures to soak up on a day trip in a rental car. The area also boasts interesting local heritage and, if you know where to go, world-class wine.

To fully appreciate what the area has to offer, we'd recommend staying at least eight days and discovering it all on these incredible day trips from Queenstown.

• Central Otago
• Glenorchy
• Arrowtown
• Wānaka
• Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
• Milford Sound and Fiordland

It doesn't take long to leave Queenstown behind and find wine country playing out in your rearview mirror. Thankfully, Central Otago is one of New Zealand's most scenic wine regions. At about an hour's drive away, it's rugged and mountainous, but also spans lakes, rivers and rolling hills.

Home to over 80 wineries, the area is famous for producing some of the world's best pinot noir and a vivid repertoire of white wine varietals. The Gibbston Valley Winery is the most handy to Queenstown. It's the region's oldest vineyard that also specializes in pinot gris and riesling.

Beyond wine tasting at the cellar doors, the indulgence continues in the form of delicious food, craft beer, character-filled cafés and lovely al-fresco dining spots where fresh, seasonal produce is key. Central Otago is the undisputed home of summer fruits, so don't be surprised to repeatedly spot cherries, apples and apricots on the menu.

What travellers also love about day trips from Queenstown to Central Otago is the change of pace. It's low-key, oozes country ambiance and there's barely an adrenaline-pumping nor jet boating activity in sight.

There's also some rich heritage and local history. You can follow in the footsteps of Chinese miners during the gold rush era of the 1860s and pan for gold along old gold mining trails. You'll also find some unique wildlife and historic rail trails dotted between the vineyards and small character-laden towns.

True outdoor enthusiasts will love a day trip to the tiny town of Glenorchy and its surrounding hills. The historic gold mining town is now home to less than 500 people, but it's big on adventures.

Glenorchy's surrounding landscapes provided epic scenery forThe Lord of the Rings and Narnia films. The town is the gateway to some of New Zealand's best hiking trails, including the popular day hike to Mt Alfred, the Rees-Dart Track, the Greenstone/Caples Track and the Routeburn Track — one of 11 New Zealand Great Walks.

Make sure to pack some warm layers then step by step you can take in the incredible scenery as you venture into Middle Earth territory.

Not keen on walking? Glenorchy also traces the shoreline of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, making horse trekking, jet boating and kayaking popular local activities to experience on day trips. Either way, amazing scenery along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road come guaranteed, from snow-capped mountains to idyllic green forests and stunning blue waters.

Pro Tip: Check out Bennetts Bluff Lookout for standout views of Lake Wakatipu.

Ready for a little small-town chic? Arrowtown is just a stone's throw away — a charming escape that feels far removed from the adrenaline junkies and late-night crowds.

Once you arrive, park the car and get ready to stroll. The main drag, Buckingham Street, is like a real-life movie set with gold-rush-era cottages and vibrant foliage. Grab a coffee, then hit the shops. They're a treasure trove of local art and boutique fashion.

For a little fresh air, take a walk along the Arrow River. And if you’re up for a scenic drive back to Queenstown, take the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road. The views across Lake Hayes are pure magic, especially at sunset, marking a perfect end to a perfect day trip.

The lakeside town of Wānaka is where South Islanders go on vacation, so it's bound to be good.  

For travellers, it flaunts many of the same activities as a Queenstown vacation but often at a lower price, so it's perfect for those travelling on a budget.

There are two routes you can take on a day trip from Queenstown to Wānaka. The faster State Highway 6 route is scenic enough, but The Crown Range Road is spectacular and is the highest main road in New Zealand. We recommend taking this scenic drive between October and April as ice makes the Crown Range Road a precarious day trip in the winter months when snow chains are often required.

Perched on the shores of Lake Wānaka at the heart of the Southern Alps, it's the natural beauty that'll first strike you on a day trip to Wānaka township — as well as the cute cafés and warm hospitality of the locals.

You could easily spend a day simply strolling around the stunning lake, unpacking a picnic and taking in the views and laid-back vibes for a peaceful day of sightseeing at an un-hurried, enjoyable pace. Wānaka can be as relaxing or adventurous as you make it.

For many however, those placid lake waters prove too hard to resist. Paddleboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing are all popular in the warmer months, as are sightseeing boat tours into the nearby mountain, lake and island landscapes that seem straight out of Middle Earth.

Wānaka is also a favoured launching pad into hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding peaks that form part of Mt Aspiring National Park. Come winter, there are three ski fields on Wānaka's doorstep and the town springs to life with a lively après ski scene.

While day trips from Queenstown to Mt Cook might be a bit more of a marathon, the best things in life — like reaching the foot of New Zealand’s tallest mountain — are worth the extra effort. These aren't just any old scenic drives, mind you. You’re trading the adventure-capital vibes of Queenstown for some serious alpine majesty.

Once you’ve wound your way through the dramatic scenery, you’ll arrive at Mt Cook Village, your basecamp for exploring. You're now at the heart of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, and there's no shortage of things to do. The best way to experience the mountain is to tackle one of the many breathtaking nature walks. The Hooker Valley Track is a crowd-pleaser for a reason, offering up big-time views with not-so-big effort. From glacial lakes to suspension bridges, it’s alpine eye-candy all the way.

This place is a knockout year-round, so whether you’re there to see the snow-capped peaks or the summertime wildflowers, Aoraki / Mt Cook never disappoints.

This is the big one. It may be a long day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound, but it's an absolute must-do experience while visiting New Zealand's South Island that you can't miss!

Day trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown are an all-day affair and worth every single second. As you make your way through the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park, the journey itself is a showstopper.

The road weaves through a myriad of spectacular landscapes nestled among the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps – through glacier-carved valleys and native beech forest, past clear blue lakes and trickling streams so clean you could drink out of them. You'll pass through the legendary Homer Tunnel, a 1.5km marvel of engineering that cuts through a solid mountain and emerges on the other side into what feels like a whole new world.

The highlight, of course, is visiting Milford Sound itself. Your best bet is to take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks and maybe a playful pod of dolphins or the rare Fiordland crested penguin. While a half-day tour on the water is a popular option, you can also explore this incredible marine life by checking out the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.

Don't have time for the full journey? Consider a trip to the lesser-known but equally stunning Doubtful Sound, located just a bit further south on the West Coast. With its wild, peaceful atmosphere, Doubtful Sound is a seriously good alternative for those who like their nature with a side of solitude.

The stunning scenery of the area presents a never-ending line-up of brilliant photo opportunities.

Ready to experience all that Queenstown and the surrounding area has to offer? Check out our New Zealand deals or chat with a Travel Expert today! From flights and hotels to tours, we have something for everyone.