Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s major tourist destinations, and you’ll no doubt want to spend plenty of time exploring the picturesque shores of Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic mountain range of the Southern Alps.
However, there are plenty of other things to see on the South Island. So, it is only natural that you will want to venture further afield.
To do this, you’ll probably need to rent a vehicle, and thankfully, there are plenty of companies that can offer you Queenstown car hire.
Once you’ve procured a motor, the world, or at least Te Waipounamu, will be your oyster. Here are five fantastic places you can go to.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a quaint town that resides in Otago on Lake Wakatipu’s northern shores.
While it is supposed to take about 45 minutes to drive there from Queenstown, the scenery along the way is so compelling that it will probably take twice that amount of time to get there.
In fact, such is the sheer number of remote beaches and wonderful viewpoints you’ll encounter, you’ll do well to remain mindful of visiting your intended destination. However, it is well worth doing so.
If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, you’ll recognise certain parts of Glenorchy as filming locations. You can choose to hike to them independently, or if you are a really avid fan, join a Lord of the Rings Locations Tour.
Don’t worry if Middle Earth is not your thing, you can always visit the iconic Red Shed, which is notable for being a former NZ Railways Department building.
Alternatively, you can go for a swim in the lake (though it might be a bit cold for some) or take a jet boat ride along its shimmering waters.
Wanaka
The charming resort town of Wanaka is just an hour’s drive from Queenstown via Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road. It sits on the southern end of its namesake lake and is one of the most popular day trips tourists do from it.
As a gateway to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park, the town offers plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities, depending on the time of year you visit it.
Similarly, the lake is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and it is home to the famous Wanaka Tree, which you have no doubt seen on Instagram or Twitter.
If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll also be in your element here. There are plenty of cool cafés, upscale fine-dining restaurants, hip food trucks, craft breweries and wonderful wineries to enjoy.
Bannockburn
While it might sound like it should be somewhere in the Scottish Highlands, Bannockburn is a historic gold mining town in Central Otago that sits just outside the town of Cromwell
It will take you about 50 minutes to drive from Queenstown, but once you are there, you will be able to explore a region that was first brought to prominence as a rich alluvial gold field and subsequently extensively mined during the 1860s.
You’ll immediately be struck by the fascinating stone buildings that still stand in that town. Many of them are now shops or cafes, but they will still give you a sense of how people lived here all those years ago.
Bannockburn is also a terrific place for wine lovers to visit. Nearby, you’ll be able to drop into the cellar doors of both the Carrick Winery and Mt Difficulty.
Elsewhere, there are several mountain biking and hiking trails you can traverse, while kids will no doubt love the opportunity to pick cherries at Cheeki Cherries.
Mount Cook
If you are looking to venture further, Mount Cook (Aoraki) is a terrific option.
As it is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, you will have plenty of opportunity to capture that perfect Insta-worthy photo of it.
To do this, you will have to drive four hours, predominantly on the Crown Range Road. Though you will no doubt be impressed by the stunning alpine scenery, you’ll pass along the way.
If you do make it here, be sure to book a session in the magnificent Hot Tubs Omarama well in advance of your visit. It is a brilliant way to relax after a long drive or a few hours of skiing, climbing or hiking.
Milford Sound
While it might involve an overnight stay, the Milford Sound is another terrific destination you can visit from Queenstown.
It is situated within the Fiordland National Park and is characterised by raging waterfalls and dark, deep waters that have an ethereal feel. You might recognise some of this landscape as another filming location from The Lord of the Rings.
Overall, the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes around four hours. That said, during the winter months, it might take a bit longer, hence the need to stay overnight.
Once you get there, be sure to take a cruise around the area, as this is the best way to immerse yourself in its incredible aura and outstanding natural beauty.
