Top 6 Day Trips from Queenstown: Your Ultimate New Zealand Adventure
Discover the best day trips from Queenstown and explore New Zealand's South Island's most spectacular destinations. From the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound to the gold rush history of Arrowtown, these carefully curated adventures are perfect for travellers with rental cars, campervans, or motorhomes.
Whether you're seeking Lord of the Rings filming locations, pristine alpine lakes, or historic mining towns, Queenstown serves as the perfect base for unforgettable South Island experiences. Each destination offers something unique, from 25-minute drives to full-day expeditions that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Why Choose Day Trips from Queenstown?
Queenstown's central location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring Otago and Southland's most iconic attractions. With well-maintained roads and stunning scenery at every turn, these day trips offer:
- Flexible itineraries that suit all travel styles and budgets
- Diverse experiences from adventure activities to cultural heritage
- Accessible distances ranging from 25 minutes to 4 hours drive time
- Year-round appeal with seasonal highlights throughout the year
Planning tip: For the most convenient and cost-effective exploration, consider booking a rental car or motorhome to maximize your freedom and create your own adventure timeline.
Ready to explore beyond Queenstown's boundaries? Here are the top 6 day trips that showcase the very best of New Zealand's South Island
- Drive Time: 45 mins one way. Lord of the Rings meets untouched wilderness.
Why Go: This is Lord of the Rings country. The road to Glenorchy hugs Lake Wakatipu and is one of the most scenic drives in the world.
- Best For: Photography lovers, LOTR fans, nature seekers
- Local Tip: Pack a picnic and stop at Bennett’s Bluff lookout.
- Drive Time: 4 hrs one way. Can be done in a day if you start early!
- Why Go: Waterfalls, dolphins, and towering cliffs—Milford is pure magic.
Best For: Bucket-listers, wildlife lovers, scenic drives
- Local Tip: Rent a car or camper early, leave by sunrise, and book a cruise once there.
- Drive Time: 25 mins
- Why Go: A cute little town with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and a peaceful river walk & loads of gold mining history.
- Best For: Families, history buffs, relaxed afternoons
- Local Tip: Hire a camper and stay for sunrise or sunset—it’s magical
- Drive Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Why Go: Think Queenstown, but more laid-back. Plus, That Wanaka Tree.
Best For: Hikers, photographers, couples
Local Tip: Grab a coffee at Big Fig and explore Mount Iron for epic views.
Drive Time: 3hrs 15mins one way. Start Early!!
Why Go: It's part of Māori legend and a sacred site. The road to Aoraki Mt.Cook is a stunning drive.
- Best For: Photography lovers, and nature seekers
- Local Tip: Pack a picnic and stop at Mt Cook and Tasman River lookout. Walk the Hooker Valley Track.
- Drive Time: You are already here!!
- Why Go: World class adventures, stunning landscapes and relaxed Lake Wakatipu vibes.
Best For: Bucket-listers, wildlife lovers and foodies.
- Local Tip: Rent a car or camper, ride the skyline, book a cruise, have lunch at Fergburger.
