Queenstown Guided Walks

Lakeshore, Forest & Bird 1/2 day Walk

The 'Lakeshore Forest & Bird' guided walk is a unique nature interpretative experience taken at a leisurely pace through native beech forest, with morning or afternoon tea/coffee on the lakeshore to the sounds of native birdcalls and surrounded by majestic mountains.

The track is good but uneven and winds around the lakeshore with the option of a steeper climb to a lookout with magnificent views in all directions.

This half-day guided walk is most suited to a morning departure and is our easiest walk. It combines the best of native flora and fauna with magnificent lake and mountain views. Native birds are readily seen and heard, in and around the edges of the forest.

DURATION: 3 to 4 hours (optional)
WALKING TIME: 2 to 3 hours (optional)
WALKING DISTANCE: 2 to 5kms (optional - easy walking)
TRACK: Well-formed - flat surface - some steps

HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular lake and mountain views. Variety of bird life close at hand and easy to view

Miners Forest Retreat 1/2 day

In the late 18th century a treasure house of gold was first found in the streams and hills around Lake Wakatipu, and like a magnet the discovery brought thousands to the area from all over the world.

They found a place as rich in natural splendour as it was in precious metals and set about trying to master the elements in their quest for wealth.

The men and women of those hard-working, hard-living days are gone now, but the long-abandoned remains of their lives and work have become as much a part of the region's history as the scenery they've blended into.

This half-day guided walk begins in native Beech forest, and the track climbs through the forest and grassy meadows following a clear mountain stream. Native birds are readily seen and heard, in and around the edges of the forest.

DURATION: 4 hours
WALKING TIME: 3 hours
WALKING DISTANCE: 6kms (optional - average fitness required)
TRACK: Well formed with some short steep sections

HIGHLIGHTS: Early gold mining history and stone goldmines cottage Magnificent mountain views

Magical Trip to Paradise 1/2 day

We depart at 8.00am or 1.30pm from your accommodation in a luxury six seat four wheel drive vehicle and your driver/guide will give a commentary on the area as you travel.

On the way to Glenorchy, a small town at the north end of Lake Wakatipu, we pass by the location of 'Amon Hen' and also the site used to portray 'Ithilien Camp'.

We take the road to Paradise and visit places where scenes of 'Lothlorien' and 'Isengard' are easily recognisable with the 'Misty Mountains' as a backdrop and the mighty peak of 'Methedras' towering over the valley.

On entering the forest we drive on a narrow track through areas reminiscent of the 'Old Forest' or 'Mirkwood the Great', we cross streams and traverse golden tussock clearings before arrival at the Dart River, where we will leave the vehicle for an hour of easy walking in the forest and clearings surrounded by the 'Misty Mountains. On return to the vehicle we drive back to Queenstown arriving around 12.30pm or 5.45pm.

TRIP DURATION: 4 1/2 Hours
WALKING TIME: 1-2 Hours
WALKING DISTANCE: 2-5km (optional - easy walking)

HIGHLIGHTS: Visit secret places few others get to see, spectacular snow-capped mountains and lake views, variety of bird life, ancient native beech forest, mosses, lichens, ferns...

Golden History Trail

This half day guided walk roams through the Chinese Mining Village and the hills close to Arrowtown right in the heart of the 1860’s gold rush. Old pipelines, water races, old mine tailings and relics of the past are seen while walking through open tussock hills and gullies. This is a great walk throughout the summer, but in autumn exotic trees planted by the pioneers provide a blaze of colour.

DURATION: 5-6 hours
WALKING TIME: 3-4 hours
WALKING DISTANCE: 6kms (approx - average fitness required)
TRACK: Well-formed - uneven surface - some steps – steep in places

HIGHLIGHTS: Early gold mining history and stone goldminers cottage. Spectacular scenery and mountain views

Ultimate Nature Experience (incl. Dart River Jet)

This full day adventure combines total wilderness walking through ancient beech forest in the Mount Aspiring National Park, with the "Dart River Jet Safari" traveling to the start of your guided walk through one of the most scenic high mountain big river valleys to be found in New Zealand.
The only way to master the shallow glacial waters of the Southern Alps is by the Kiwi innovation that revolutionised high-country transport, the Jet Boat.
The Jet Boat drivers know their river intimately and their superb skills behind the wheel complement frequent stops on this unique journey to explain the geology and lore of the ancient and unspoiled lands you traverse.
Two fascinating hours and 35km later your guide will meet you at a secret spot on the banks of the Dart River then lead you on a very gentle ascent under a canopy of native beech forest where birdsong supplies an unrivalled, natural soundtrack. This is in an area where Guided Nature Walks is the only company allowed to walk through.

DURATION: 8 to 9.5 hours (optional)
WALKING TIME: 2 to 3 hours (optional)
WALKING DISTANCE: 4 to 9 kms (optional - easy to moderate)
TRACK: Unformed trails easy to moderate walking on leaves and moss

HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular snow-capped mountain and lake views. Variety of bird life, mosses, lichens and ferns, ancient native beech forest which only Guided Nature Walks is allowed to guide through. Jetboat 35km up a magnificent high mountain big river valley.

Guided Nature Walk & Wine Tour

(8:00am to 5:00pm includes vineyard lunch)
A leisurely Lakeshore Forest & Bird guided nature walk through a New Zealand native forest, followed by Boutique Wine Tour through the boutique vineyards of Central Otago.

Guided Nature Walks and Appellation Central Wine Tours have come together to bring you this exclusive full day tour where you’ll see real drama in the scenery, hear the pristine silence of the high country, savor the scent of pure clean air and feel the pulse of the heart of Central Otago wine region.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS ‘LAKESHORE FOREST AND BIRD’
This morning walk takes in a part of the old bridle path; all but forgotten and only known to a few locals. It is our easiest walk & combines the best of native flora and fauna with magnificent lake and mountain views. Native birds are readily seen and heard in and around the edges of the forest.

Walk start/finish: 8am to midday daily (all year)

• Walking time: 2 to 3 hours (optional)
• Walking distance: 2 to 5kms (optional - easy walking)
• Track: Well-formed - flat surface - some steps
• Highlights: Spectacular lake and mountain views
• Variety of bird life close at hand and easy to view

Then in the afternoon

APPELLATION CENTRAL –BOUTIQUE WINE TOUR
Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago, a perfect introduction to the wine region. Friendly and knowledgeable guides offer an understanding of the unique Central Otago wine growing conditions and wines offered and our small groups of 10 people ensure an interactive & sociable afternoon.

• Wine Tour start/finish: 12 pm, returning 5pm Daily (all year)
• Tasting at 4 wineries in the Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn regions
• A delightful platter style lunch at Carrick Winery restaurant
• A stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge whilst learning about the early pioneering history of this rugged region
• View the historic Kawarau Bridge and the original AJ Hackett Bungy jump

Total Time: Allow 9 hours
Minimum numbers: Two persons (adult) or equivalent price

What you bring:

• Camera
• Sensible footwear.
• A warm/sun hat
• Wet/wind/warm clothing for changeable weather
• Small daypack
• A reasonable fitness level will ensure an enjoyable walk

What we provide:

• All transport to and from Queenstown accommodation
• Friendly and knowledgeable local guides
• Snacks - including tea/coffee biscuits
• Winery lunch and tastings
• Interpretative commentary of flora, fauna, history, geology, and Central Otago’s viticulture
• Small day packs and some wet weather gear available on loan while on the walk.

A Privately guided option is available for a totally personal experience

MINIMUM NUMBERS: Two persons (adult) or equivalent price

PICK-UP: Pickup from all Queenstown accommodations

All of our GUIDED NATURE WALKS are selected for their natural beauty, and this is an excellent walk for people interested in birds and/or photography, and has magnificent lake and mountain views.