Queenstown has some of the best scenery in New Zealand and arguably in the world. Almost everywhere you go you will be greeted with beautiful mountains or the stunning lakes. But where are the best views and lookouts in Queenstown?
Having lived in Queenstown for a few years, I spent many days off exploring all that this amazing place has to offer. In this time, I have discovered some of the best spots with the most unforgettable views.
While there are so many epic places I could list, below are my favourite lookouts in Queenstown with the best views.
The Best Queenstown Lookouts
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is one of the the more well known lookouts on the list. The track up to the top is quite a popular walk for locals and tourists.
Easily accessible right from the centre of town, Queenstown Hill is the perfect place to head for some incredible views without having to go too far.
The main reason for its popularity, is the amazing views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding snow capped mountains. Though the track does start through the pine forest, it eventually opens up past the tree line and continues up to the ‘Basket of Dreams’ at the top of the hill.
The lookout at the top of Queenstown Hill is only accessible by foot. Because of this, you will find this incredible spot never too crowded, and still a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the views.
The walk is quite steep and will take about 2 to 3 hours return. Tracks are well marked and maintained but can get slippery in bad weather.
Bobs Peak – Queenstown Gondola Lookout
Another of the popular lookouts in Queenstown is Bob’s Peak, also known as the top of the Gondola. For many, this is the easiest and therefore the most popular place to get some of the best views, with the added bonus of a fun activity.
The view from Bob’s Peak is the common photo you see over Queenstown with The Remarkables Mountain Range towering in the background. This spot is one of the best and certainly unforgettable.
The main way to get to the top is of course the gondola. Tickets can be purchased at the Skyline building at the bottom of the hill.
Along with the stunning scenery, you can also enjoy a few of the fun activities. Try the ziplines at Ziptrek, or get some epic views from even higher up while paragliding with GFORCE.
If you are on a tight budget, you can also walk to the top of Bob’s Peak via the Tiki Trail. This walk starts at the bottom of the gondola and zig zags all the way to the top. The uphill climb will take about an hour. There are also some cool lookout points along the way.
Bob’s Peak does get very busy, so while the view is stunning, there is not really much peace and quiet or anywhere to sit.
Wye Creek and Lake Alta
This is one of my personal favourites, and although it is not one of your typical lookouts in Queenstown, Wye Creek is beautiful in its own way.
Less than 30 minutes out of Queenstown is the Wye Creek walking track. This walk leads to two lookouts both with completely different views. The first, is the closer of the two and that is the walk to the wooden helicopter platform. The second is the walk all the way up to Lake Alta.
While this spot is not an offical lookout or walking track, the wooden platform is a local favourite. From here you can see right up the lake back towards Queenstown. This added with the mountains surrounding native bush, makes Wye creek the perfect place to chill out and take in the view.
If you are up for a challenge, you can continue up the track right up to the top of the Remarkables to Lake Alta. This gorgeous alpine lake is in my opinion one of the best hidden gems in Queenstown. The track leads right to the side of the bright blue lake. Jump in for a swim if you are brave enough to face the cold!
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is one of three popular ski fields close to Queenstown. Being high up in the mountains there is always going to be some incredible views of the surrounding nature.
Even when the ski fields are closed you can still drive up to the car park and enjoy the views from there. If you can, make sure to visit on a sunny winter day. Head here after a fresh dump of snow and and the views are ten times more magical.
Did you know, you can sometimes see the Southern Lights from New Zealand? They are best viewed from a high vantage point that looks south, which makes Coronet Peak the perfect spot. There have been some epic photos taken from up here and the lights have put on a show.
Ben Lomond – Hike to the Ultimate sunrise Lookout in Queenstown
Ben Lomond is without a doubt the best day walk in Queenstown. The view form the lookout at the top is like a movie, and there are epic views no matter which way you look.
The walk up here is quite difficult. It climbs almost 1500 metres and will take around 6-8 hours return. The track first goes up past Bob’s Peak then continues up the hill and toward the saddle. From here you make the final walk up to the summit.
The walk is not for inexperienced hikers, and is in no way an easy climb. However, all the hard work is worth it, once you make it to the top.
I highly recommend walking up here for sunrise if you can. Seeing the sun come over the ranges and reflect off the mountains surrounding you is just something you need to experience.
Ben Lomond is not a lookout everyone will be able to visit while they are in Queenstown, making it even more special for those who do get to experience it.
Moke Lake
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the main centre of Queenstown, then a trip out to Moke Lake is the idilic place. The peace and tranquility here create a feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.
While there is no one specific lookout here, there are plenty of spots that offer some awesome views. There is a short but easy walk that goes all the way around the lake, as well as walks up into the hills.
The best lookout is up an unofficial track just north of the lake. To get there start your walk around the loop track. You will reach a point where the track goes left, instead turn right and follow the fence line. Keep following the fence line for a few hundred metres until you see a faint grass track to your left. Follow this all the way up the ridge to the lookout.
Access to a car is a must to get here.
Bobs Cove – the hidden gem of the Lookouts in Queenstown
Bob’s Cove is a great spot to head to if you would like a short but rewarding walk with great views. You will quite often see photos of the lookout in Bob’s Cove and the incredible blue water that surrounds it.
This is one of the best family friendly walks in Queenstown and is easily walkable for young kids who are used to this kind of thing. The track is a short 40 minute walk with some small uphill sections.
Not only is the view from the top great but there are some awesome areas to stop along the way. Check out the beach near the start of the track or jump into the lake off the wharf for a quick dip.
While the walk is one way, there are lots of extra little tracks that connect from the top so you do end up looping back onto the main path. I personally love how undiscovered Bob’s Cove feels without the crowds of people.
The 360 degree views from the lookout give you an amazing view of the cove, lake, and surrounding mountains.
Deer Park Heights
Another hidden gem when it comes to lookouts in Queenstown is Deer Park Heights. This is a working deer farm located a 15 minute drive from the centre of town. To get access you will need to book and pay an entry fee per car.
Views from here are pretty much 360 degrees as the park is located on a hill. The lake, surrounding mountains and farm land combine to create epic views.
The reason I rate Deer Park heights as one of the best spots, is seeing the wildlife with the stereotypical New Zealand nature as the back drop. As well as deer, there many different species of animals such as donkeys, goats, pigs and cattle.
To enjoy Deer Park heights you must explore by car, only getting out to walk at designated areas and tracks. One of the great things a bout this, is that the view points and lookouts are almost always accessible for anyone without any hard work required.
Fernhill
Fernhill is a residential area to the west of Queenstown and is not your typical recommendation for a lookout. However, having lived up here for 2 years, I can tell you the views from up here are incredible and easy to get to from the centre of town.
Coming up here for sunrise is an absolute must if you don’t want to spend hours walking. The sun rises up over the Remarkables Mountain Range and is well worth waking up early for. In winter when the mountains are covered in snow is my absolute favourite.
Want to enjoy a classic kiwi dinner of fish and chips with a view? Chur Fish and Chips is my go to takeaway shop for some delicious food. Walk 5 mins back down the hill to the local park and enjoy them with a view without the crowds.
Queenstown Gardens – Queenstown’s best lookout right in Town
Located right in the centre of town, the Queenstown Gardens are a great place for a peaceful stroll with some beautiful views. Again, there isn’t one specific lookout here, but there are unforgettable views almost everywhere you look.
There is a perimeter track that follows the edge of the lake right around the gardens. I used to do this walk almost daily and never got sick of looking at the mountains. There are also benches scattered along the walkway, so you can have a break, sit back and take it all in.
The walk wont take you very long, but if you would like to keep going, you can follow the track along the lake all the way up to Frankton.
There are also plenty of short tracks through the gardens to explore or you can play a few rounds of frisbee golf as well.
Lake Hayes
Lake Hayes was my is my go to spot on a hot summers day in Queenstown. While the waterfront in town is super busy with people, Lake Hayes remains calm and quiet. Enjoy the peace by the water or go for a wander on the loop track and enjoy all the beautiful views and scenery around you.
The loop track does take around two hours, however the track is an easy stroll with only a little elevation. Make sure to stop along the way and check out all the small lookout points. The lake is a great spot to get some great photos of nature without people in the way.
Lake Hayes is also a freedom camping spot, so you can park up for the night and wake up to the unreal views in the morning. Just remember to follow the freedom camping guidelines and leave the area in the same or better condition than you found it.
Other Ways to enjoy the views in Queenstown that aren’t Lookouts
Everywhere you look in Queenstown there is an unforgettable view. This is one of the main reasons the town is so popular. Most of the lookouts listed above, are places you need to walk or drive to. But, there are actually some other pretty cool and interesting ways to get the best views around.
Make Lake Wakatipu your lookout with a trip on the TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy the views from the deck of this 1912 steamship on the way out to the beautiful Walter Peak Farm on the other side of the lake. Stay for lunch or dinner surrounded by the farm lands and mountains.
Want to get even higher than the mountains? Then booking a sky dive while in Queenstown is a must. What better lookout can you get than a birds eye view of the whole area. NZONE is the most popular company to go with and is highly recommended.
You can’t forget about bungy jumping with AJ Hackett Bungy! There are a few different bungy sites in Queenstown all with different heights, highlights and views. Have a look into which bungy jump is best for you and gets you the most out of the experience.
Wrap Up – Queenstown Lookouts
Whether you are in Queenstown for a few days or weeks, this list of lookouts has something for everyone. I am lucky enough to have lived in Queenstown and have been able to check out all of these spots and all of them blew my mind.
Make sure to check out a few of these amazing lookouts next time you are in Queenstown.
