12 Queenstown Walking Tracks Great for Families
12 Kid-Friendly Trails in Queenstown
Sharing all the best trails to enjoy your kids. These are great family-friendly hiking options for the Queenstown area listed from easiest to most difficult, but doable!
When we first moved to Queenstown, I was super excited to find more family-friendly trails and after a year and a bit, we have explored (almost) all of them. If you live in Queenstown or you are heading here with family, I urge you to check out the trails. Not only is it a free activity, but it’s also a great way to expel some energy in your kiddos! I can also say, we are all happier when outside on the trails. It fills both my and my kids’ cups and it is always a great way to connect with nature in beautiful Otago.
I’ve listed the easiest trails first, followed by the longer, more challenging trails. I’ve included distance and how long each will take, although that’ll depend on your littles legs and how many breaks you take, plus I’ve linked the starting point using Google Maps.
But before you head out, please make sure to check the weather (even in summer the temps can drop rapidly)! Make sure to pack a day back with food, water, layers and a first aid kit.
Looking for more things to do in Queenstown with kids? Here are 15 ideas of how to spend your time!
Easy, mostly-flat Queenstown Walking Tracks
Morningstar Track
Morningstar Track
I had no idea this little trail existed until moving to Queenstown and finding it on maps. It’s a short one with a little incline through the woods which opens up to a bigger field where three tractors sit. From there, you’ll see a sign to Morningstar Beach, follow that down along the Shotover River and end up at the beach across from a waterfall. Let the little ones run around the beach. Enjoy climbing big rocks and finding little rock pools to paddle in. You’ll also see the jetboats speeding by so be weary if you hear the engine coming, they love to make waves near the beach. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to have a little swim, just a head’s up, the current is strong and the sandflies will eventually find you.
Starting Point: car park across from Canyon Brewing
Distance: 1.5km total, 20 to 30 mins from the start to the river (one-way)
Queenstown Gardens Trail
A favourite spot for both locals and tourists, Queenstown Gardens is a beautiful place to visit for more reasons than one. Park at the FREE lot (up to 4 hours) and start the outer loop track at the water’s edge (where Park Street and Te Araroa Trl collide). Stroll around enjoying clear views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu and let the kids run around the tall Redwoods as you go. Just look out for frisbees as a disc golf course weaves throughout the Gardens. Finish the loop heading back to the car park or walk up to the upper trail to enjoy the flora and the local ducks. If you’re heading towards town, save some time to have a play at the big waterfront playground.
Starting Point: Queenstown Gardens car park
Distance: 3.1km loop, 45 minutes to 1 hour
Arrowtown River Trail
Head over to Arrowtown, a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown, to find the Arrowtown River Walk. You’ll actually find numerous walking tracks in this region, so make sure to follow the correct trailhead (find the map near the bathrooms by Buckinghman Street Parking Lot). Enjoy the track as it follows the river, past a waterfall and into Sawpit Gully. Cross the Norman Smith footbridge and head back to town via Macetown 4WD track (may include river crossings) or return the same way. Pack some wellies/rain boots for the kids to have a splash through the shallow areas. And if you can visit in Autumn when the foliage explodes in an array of golds, reds and oranges, see it here when we went during our babymoon.
Starting Point: Buckingham Street Parking Lot (also a bigger lot just next door)
Distance: 4.2km return, ~ 1 hour
Oxenbridge Tunnel Walk
Another I never heard of until moving to Queenstown, Oxenbridge Tunnel Walk is just on the other side of the Morningstar Track. Park before the beach if your wheels don’t do well in sand otherwise you can follow tyre marks closer to the water. You’ll see a little trail to the left from the main little rocky beach. Continue on that as you slowly rise above the riverbed until reaching the marked track. It winds up a slightly skinny trail (be cautious with little ones) and ends at a railing over the roaring river. It’s a beautiful gorge showcasing the mineral blue waters and feels a million miles away from the town. There’s also a great cliff view, but please be extra safe when getting close to the edges with children.
Starting Point: Oxenbridge Tunnel Road
Distance: ~1.5km, 20 min
Frankton Arm
Queenstown is known for its trails. Kilometres of walking, hiking and cycling trails connect Queenstown to all the surrounding regions including this one. From Frankton Beach, you can walk towards town (6.1 km to reach the city centre) or towards Kelvin Heights (7 km to reach Kelvin Beach). Each way gives interrupted views of the mountains and each way includes an option for a cafe stop. Towards town sits the idyllic Boatshed, a tucked-away cafe/restaurant sitting on the edge of the lake. And on the other side, not so hidden, is the Hilton Resort with its own outdoor seating on the edge of the trail. I’ve walked both ways with my kids and also pushed the buggy. The trail is an easy gravel one with many passersby and docks leading to the lake. Pack a picnic, enjoy a paddle and go as far or as little as you want on this family-friendly walking track.
Starting Point: Frankton Beach
Distance: your choice, The Boatshed is about a 15-20min walk while the Hilton is another 10, but includes crossing the old highway bridge.
Visiting on a rainy day? Here are 16 Queenstown indoor activities kids will love!
Steeper/longer Queenstown Walking Tracks
vantage point on Mt Crichton
Mt Crichton Loop Track
After years of visiting Queenstown and after a year of living here, I finally set out on this loop track that always intrigued me every time I drove past. My husband and I did it on our own and I loved it so much, I took the kids there the following week. Park at the designated car park and follow the signs for Mt Crichton (take extra caution with the littles when crossing the road). Once across, you’ll reach the start and can either go right for a steeper, quicker climb or left for a longer, less steep path. On the loop, there are a few very cool things that the kids will love including waterfalls, an old miner’s hut and a rock tunnel. I actually had to drag my kids away from the bridge overlooking the waterfall, they loved it so much. It’s mostly sheltered and there is a side track to Lake Dispute if you’re down to explore more!
Starting Point: Glenorchy Queenstown Road
Distance: 6.4km loop, 2.5 to 3 hours
Bob’s Cove Lookout
This track is one of my favs in the Queenstown region. It’s located on the road to Glenorchy, a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown. It starts off in the bush where you’ll hear native birds singing as you stroll on this easy path. Next, you’ll arrive along the lake’s edge (toilet left of the trail) where you’ll find beachgoers lounging on the rocky shore. Continue on into the trees and make a point to stop at the iconic jetty. If you’re brave enough, jump off the pier into the clear, blue waters that sparkle in the sunshine. After the jetty, you’ll reach a fork; continue straight for a longer, less steep trail to the top viewpoint, or go left and up a short, but steep track that’ll take you to the top. This little piece of land sticks nicely out into Lake Wakatipu providing stunning views every way you look. It’s an easy one for all ages and one you cannot miss if coming to Queenstown.
Starting Point: Glenorchy Queenstown Road
Distance: 3km, 1.5 hours return
Lake Hayes Loop
Lake Hayes is a dreamy little lake between Queenstown and Arrowtown. It’s beautiful in Autumn and it’s a simple loop with changing landscape. You can start from the Lake Hayes pavilion or from Lake Hayes Reserve (our go-to). Start in either direction and enjoy lakeside strolls, mountain views, wetland boardwalks and plenty of native bush. It’s a long one and parts of the track are very exposed — don’t forget your sunscreen. Plan for pitstops if you are hiking the entire thing with littles. I’ve walked and ran with my son in a buggy/stroller and my daughter completed it at the age of four.
Starting Point: Lake Hayes Reserve
Distance: 8km, 2-3 hour loop
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill
Alright, I’ll be honest, Queenstown Hill is an uphill slog, but IT IS WORTH IT. Not only for the views at the top (and they are incredible) but for the fun fairy forest any child (and adult) will love. If you have a vehicle, save yourself a bit up time and park nearest to the trail. Have snacks readily available to bribe the kids from the start because it is steep from the get-go. You may run into some wild goats, you’ll pass plenty of fellow hikers and you can learn about the region on your way. Eventually, you’ll find yourself in a thick, dark pine forest. Tip: if you are coming down at dusk or near night, have a torch for this section. Around one bend, hundreds of rock stacks will appear and amongst them adorable, little fairy houses built into the trees. Enjoy a well-deserved break and when you’re ready continue on until your first fork. Go left for a quicker, steeper route to the famous Basket of Dreams, or go straight for a longer, windier trail through the woods. Once you reach the Basket of Dreams, you can stay there and enjoy the views, or challenge yourself and little ones up to the final viewpoint. Again, it gets pretty steep to the top, but the views are the best in all of Queenstown.
Starting Point: Queenstown Hill Walking Track, Belfast Terrace (make sure to drive to this location, don’t follow the street signs)
Distance: 4.2km, 3 hours
Moonlight Track from Arthur’s Point
You can find me on this trail at least once every fortnight. It’s tucked away from town and it’s almost always empty apart from some cow and sheep friends. It is private farmland and this track is mostly maintained by livestock which means you may be dodging cow patties. I’ve had to turn back a few times when cows were scattered on the skinny trail, unwilling to climb through the brush to get around. It’s definitely a leg-burner, but not too difficult for little ones. My girl has walked pretty far on her own multiple times. The views are incredible and you feel worlds away from any town or city. Fair warning if you hear some screams, don’t be alarmed, the Shotover Bungee is located in the valley below the trail. Also, keep your little ones close, there are many steep points on the trail.
Starting Point: Moonlight Track Trailhead (Arthur’s Point)
Distance: depends on the hiker! If returning to the car, go as far as you can/want and turn back when ready, or complete it one-way with a 5-hour walk to Moke Lake or climb up to Ben Saddle and back down into Queenstown via Tiki Trail or gondola. If you are heading to Moke Lake, arrange a car swap or pick-up time before. There is no cell service once you reach Moke Lake. You can also start from Moke and finish in Arthur’s Point
Lake Alta in April
Moke Lake Loop
Speaking of Moke Lake, we cannot forget this epic location. Located off of the Glenorchy-Queenstown road, it’s a bit of a mission to get there. It’s a somewhat skinny gravel road that can be challenging for big vans or tiny hire cars, but I’ve seen big caravans make it just fine because this spot is also a DOC campground and one I highly recommend. Park by the grassy beach and enjoy the lack of cell service, you won’t have any while you’re there. You’ll see horses running in the paddocks and often can say hello over the fence. The loop begins by crossing a little footbridge and circles around the lake. It’s an easy trail although does have a bit of up and downs. It’s also exposed the entire way so wear hats, sunnies and sunscreen.
Starting Point: Moke Lake Track
Distance: 6km, 2-3 hours
Lake Alta
Start 1600 metres high from the top of the Remarkables on this epic, short, but steep hike. The start is a slow slog-up and boring for littles, but once you hit the skinny trail, it’s fun for all ages. Cross streams, jump from rock to rock and stick to the trail on this fragile ecosystem. Don’t forget your layers on this one as it is always much colder up here and there’s a chance you’ll encounter snow across the alpine wetlands. Enjoy this sheltered, hidden lake surrounded by towering mountains — it’s a place that will make you feel small, yet grateful for the beauty of our world.
Hot tip: Skip in winter otherwise, you’ll be battling the ski field traffic.
Starting Point: Remarkables ski field top parking lot
Distance: 4.8 km, 90mins to 2 hours
Have I missed any? Feel free to add below and make sure to save this post if you’re planning a trip to Queenstown!
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