Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown


Some of the most iconic and photographed scenery can be found in Queenstown. The 'Remarkables' mountains and numerous lakes provide a feast of views for instagrammers. We've picked out some of our favourite locations to head to, including some 'off-the beaten' track places. 

Lake Hayes

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

A short 15 minute drive from Queenstown, Lake Hayes is a stunning Lake with 360 mountain views.  A foot path around the lake offers a two to three hour loop walk to enjoy the incredible scenery. Away from the crowds of the busier Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes is a favorite spot with locals who enjoy the serene qualities that the lake and views provide.  Lake Hayes is also a popular spot o... Read More

Moke Lake

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Just a 10 minute drive from Queenstown, Moke Lake is a beautiful scenic spot off the beaten track. The pretty lake setting is framed by mountains and is a popular spot for walking, cycling and camping. The Moke Lake Loop Track is a popular scenic trek with the locals and loops around the lake for a walk that takes around 2 hours to complete. The lake is also a draw for fishing, and on warmer da... Read More

Edith Cavell Bridge

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Situated at Arthur's Point, Edith Cavell Bridge is an iconic structure crossing the Shotover River. The historic bridge is a short drive from both Queenstown and Arrowtown and is the home of the thrilling Shotover Jet Boat activity. The bridge was designed by the Public Works Department, with the bridge being constructed between 1917 and 1919, costing over $8000. The bridge significantly im... Read More

Old Lower Shotover Bridge

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Situated 10 kilometres from Queenstown (off highway 6), the Old Lower Shotover Bridge was built in 1871 and offers foot traffic eye-catching 360 panoramic views of the Shotover River. The original bridge was washed away in 1878 by flooding but rebuilt by the Public Works Department and re-opened in 1915. The bridge is172 metres long and stands16 metres from bridge to the river below. Foot tr... Read More

Bannockburn Sluicings

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

The sliced hills and 'western movie' terrain of Bannockburn Sluicings, and the nearby Stewart Town, provide dramatic evidence of Otago's gold mining era which spanned 5 decades commencing in the early 1860s.  It's no wonder then that a pivotol scene in Jane Campion's multi-oscar nominated film, 'The Power of the Dog' was filmed here (the scene where the boy Peter takes his first ride ... Read More

Kinloch

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Spend some time in the peace and quiet. Fish, walk, or simply sit in picturesque surroundings. Just 26 kilometres from Glenorchy, Kinloch is the perfect place to start one of New Zealand's great walks, or to enjoy the area and spend some time in the outdoors. Situated halfway between the Routeburn Track and the Greenstone and Caples tracks, Kinloch is a good place to both start and end a wal... Read More

Arrow River 150th Anniversary Walk

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

A beautiful and tranquil 4.2km loop walkway along the banks of the Arrow River. The trail was created by the Otago Regional Council in 1998 to mark 150 years of European Settlement in Otago. In more recent times, the trail has been integrated into the Queenstown Bike Trail. The canopy of Willow, Sycamore and Larch Trees overhanging the river provides a cooler temperature which is welcome on tho... Read More

Skyline Queenstown

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic Gondola, Skyline Queenstown is a 'must-see' attraction during your visit to Queenstown, New Zealand.  The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Wa... Read More

Queenstown Gardens

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

The Queenstown Gardens are just a few minutes walk from central Queenstown and offer a beautiful and tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle. The landscaped gardens include plenty of places to sit down and admire the beauty of the gardens. Pristine lawns, a large water feature, a wide variety of trees and plants and a rose garden all combine to provide that perfect escape from downtown... Read More

Glenorchy

Best Breathtaking Locations in Queenstown

Sitting at the very top of Lake Wakatipu, 46km north of Queenstown, is the small village of Glenorchy.  The drive to Glenorchy is one of the most spectacular in the world and worth the trip alone.  Surrounded by the spectacular Humboldt and Richardson Mountain Ranges, it's a great 'leaping off' point for those wishing to explore both Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, as well as the... Read More

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