5 Hiking Tours in Queenstown That Repay the Detour

1.Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134Our pick

Cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then join an English-speaking guide for a gentle 40 to 45 minute horse trek at Walter Peak. Small groups of up to six riders, tea, coffee, scones, and muffins are included. Minimum age is 7, height 120 cm, and weight 95 kg.

“Ferrie ride was great. We did the Walter Peak Horse Ride. Looked after us as we had not been on a horse many years. The afternoon high tea was delicious.”

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2.Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $142

You’ll cross Lake Wakatipu by TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy tea and homemade baking at Walter Peak High Country Farm, then ride for about 40 minutes with a small group and an expert guide. The pace is gentle, the views are excellent, and no riding experience is needed. Guides may include Matt, Paddy, Benny, or Tegan.

“It was beautiful but the guides were just walking on foot in front of us the whole way so it was slow and not particularly exciting.”

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3.Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $142Top rated

Ride for about two hours through Central Otago orchards and rolling hills, with wide views of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, and the Mt Pisa Range. Guides including Karo, Carol, and Jasmine match well-trained horses to your ability, help first-time riders, and can lead young children when needed. Groups are limited to five.

“Our daughter loves horses so we wanted to find a horse trek while in NZ. Golden Hills was the perfect place to ride and Karo was an amazing guide. We loved the ride through orchards and the mountain views. Plus it was affordable and had multiple options for times to ride.”

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4.Routeburn Track Guided Hike (Full Day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $257

Spend about 10 hours hiking up to 22 kilometres on the Routeburn Track with a professional guide from Nomad Safaris. You’ll walk through beech forest and Routeburn Canyon, see waterfalls and Southern Alps peaks, and learn about native birds, plants, Māori greenstone routes, and park history. Lunch, snacks, water, and Queenstown transport are included.

“This hike is absolutely remarkable! Pictures and words can't capture the natural beauty of the trail and waterfalls, which don't disappoint from start to finish. Our guide, Lucas, was informative, fun, and energetic. Even when a giant tree fell froRead more”

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5.Routeburn Track Guided Full-Day Walk or Half Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews · 270 minutes - 10 hours · from $152

Choose a relaxed 1.5-hour Routeburn nature walk or a demanding seven-hour hike toward Falls Hut. A guide leads small groups of up to 10 through beech forest, alpine gardens, meadows, and tarns, with commentary on local plants, wildlife, and history. Full-day walkers receive a picnic lunch; half-day walkers get snacks and water.

“Hayden was an awesome guide. We went to the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life and he treated us with so much kindness and took us to very special places. The group was small and it felt like hiking with friends. The tour went through really beautiful places up the mountain and then out on the plains as well. The lunch was pretty decent picnic, enough and just good for the track. I will definitely do this again when I'm back to Queenstown!”

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