Queenstown on foot

There is perhaps no better way to experience the wonders of Queenstown and its pristine environment and spectacular scenery than on foot. Enjoy the fresh country air in a temperate, hospitable environment while you take a guided walking tour through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

Touring the Queenstown area on foot offers a variety of options to suit all tastes. The region’s flora and fauna are spectacular, and you really must take the opportunity to see it up close by exploring one of the many walking tracks in the area. A guided tour along some of Queenstown’s best walking tracks will ensure you make the most of your walk. You can indulge in a pleasant nature walk, take an overnight hiking trip, or perhaps do something a little more extreme like abseiling, rock climbing or snowshoeing. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll benefit from the exercise and cool, clean mountain air that Queenstown is famous for.

Some walking tours worth considering include:

Snowshoeing Tours

A winter highlight is a guided snowshoeing tour with Basecamp Adventures. Snowshoeing is simply walking through the snow, aided by specially designed snowshoes that prevent you from sinking into deep powder. Half day tours are run from Queenstown and allow you to experience the magic and wonder of the alpine landscape in winter. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and doesn’t take hours of practice. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a relaxed and personalised experience.

Full Day Routeburn Nature Walk 

This full-day guided hike explores one of New Zealand’s most iconic tracks - the Routeburn Track, located within Mount Aspiring National Park. You'll venture deep into ancient beech forest, cross swing bridges and enjoy views of alpine meadows, river valleys and cascading waterfalls. Your expert guide will share insights into the region’s ecology and history, making this a rich and rewarding day in the wilderness.

Half Day Routeburn Nature Walk 

For those short on time, the half-day Routeburn Nature Walk still offers a stunning taste of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring’s alpine beauty. Discover lush native forest and crystal-clear waters on a more relaxed-paced guided walk that’s perfect for nature lovers of all fitness levels.

Flight & Mount Cook Heli Hike from Queenstown

Take to the skies for an unforgettable alpine experience on the Flight & Mt Cook Heli Hike from Queenstown. Departing Queenstown, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenic flights to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park before landing on the Tasman Glacier. From there, gear up with crampons and poles for a guided heli hike across ancient glacial ice formations. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk amongst ice caves, crevasses, and towering blue seracs.

Lord of the Rings Tour

Step into Middle-earth with Nomad Safaris on the full day Safari of the Scenes adventure to some of the most iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Explore dramatic landscapes like Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, and the Remarkables, while your guide brings the stories and scenery to life. Movie props and behind-the-scenes trivia add to the fun. This is a must for film buffs and fans of New Zealand’s cinematic scenery, with some but minimal walking involved.

Queenstown is a beautiful place, and seeing it up close on foot is an experience that will stay with you forever.