Five great walks in Queenstown

The Lake Hayes Loop is one of the most picturesque walks in the Queenstown region. Photo / Destination Queenstown

The Wakatipu Basin is a walker's paradise, offering a shed-load of stunning views

1. Queenstown Hill Loop
Time: Three hours

For a moderate challenge from the city, visitors can test their legs on the Queenstown Hill Loop Track up to lookout spot: the "Basket of Dreams". The walk starts and finishes on Belfast St, and offers views over the Wakatipu Basin to Cecil Peak, the Frankton Arm and Queenstown Bay.

2. Tiki Trail
Time: Between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.

For one of the best views of Queenstown, tackle the Tiki Trail. Starting at the bottom of the gondola, the track winds its way up the left-hand side of Bob's Peak towards the lookout at the top. If you've had enough, catch the gondola down again. Or try it in reverse. You'll need good shoes and a medium level of fitness, though it's just the first half that's particularly steep.

3. Sunshine Bay Track
Time: 45 minutes

For another perspective, head out towards Glenorchy on the Sunshine Bay track and enjoy the views across the lake to Cecil and Walter peaks. Watch the historic TSS Earnslaw steam her way across the lake, then head through native bush to reach the jetty at Sunshine Bay.

4. Tobin's Track
Time: 30 minutes each way

This track will take you up to the edge of the Crown Terrace above Arrowtown, and is used by locals as a run or cycle workout. Up here, you'll have great views of Arrowtown, Millbrook, Lake Hayes and the Remarkables. In summer it's an excellent spot to enjoy the last rays of sunshine over the Wakatipu Basin before the sun sets.

5. Lake Hayes Loop
Time: Two hours

This is said to be one of the most picturesque walks in the Queenstown region, thanks to the reflections of the willow trees, reeds, mountains and lakefront houses in the lake on a calm day. The walk winds around Lake Hayes, both by its shoreline or on a ridge looking towards the Remarkables.