With its majestic mountains, raging rivers and breathtaking scenery, when it comes to walking holidays, New Zealand is certainly the destination of choice. And no South Island adventure is complete without a stop in the spirited town of Queenstown. But if the thrills of bungee jumps and canyon swings are a little too adventurous or would leave you a little weak at the knees to say the least, you may prefer to explore the quaint towns surrounding Queenstown.
Wanaka
The name ‘Wanaka’ translates from Maori to mean ‘renewal of the soul’ and on entering the town, just a 50 minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, you will immediately understand how it gained such a name. Located on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka, wherever you stand in the town you will find yourself gazing up in awe at Mount Aspiring. If that looks a little daunting, a hike by the lakeside is perfect for those looking for a break from arduous walking holidays. New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, stretching 45 kilometres in length is quite a sight; it’s banks dotted with relics of Maori figures, and it’s waters reflecting the snow capped mountains. On behalf of the more eccentric members of your group, be sure to stop in at Puzzling World as you make your way back to Queenstown. With a puzzle cafe filled with mind boggling games, various rooms built around baffling illusions – for example, one will make you believe you are walking uphill when in fact the ground is perfectly flat and various other oddities, an afternoon wiled away at Puzzling World is entertaining for everyone. However, be sure to buddy up as you enter the maze, or you may find yourself hopelessly lost as you attempt to navigate the 1.5 kilometre labyrinth.
Arrowtown
Slightly closer to Queenstown and further off the beaten track than Wanaka you will find Arrowtown. Set one foot on the cobbled streets and you will feel as if you have stepped back in time; this small town was put on the map by the gold rush of 1862, the Arrow River being one of the richest sources of gold to be found, and has been neatly preserved by its residents to maintain it’s fascinating and old fashioned heritage. Surrounded by three of the most impressive golf courses to be found in New Zealand Millbrook, The Hills and Arrowtown golf course – Arrowtown is a haven for walkers who are missing their weekly round of golf. You may even be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to find a caddy when you mention the spectacular views that can be seen from the top of the golf course. For those who wish to carry on walking however, there are plenty of trails to be found around Arrowtown, ranging from a gentle stroll to a full day’s hike. Before you leave this charming little township, you must pay a visit to The Remarkable Sweet Shop. Its shelves lined with jar upon jar filled with every sweet you can dream of from bon bons to aniseed wheels to milk bottles, this shop will take you back to the one penny sweets of your childhood. The selection of homemade fudges, in every flavour you can imagine are also guaranteed to set your mouth watering so make sure you pick up enough to last you for the rest of your walking holidays. New Zealand’s hidden treasure, Arrowtown is ideal for a brief respite from the tourist flurry of Queenstown.
Glenorchy
Just 45 minutes from Queenstown you will find Glenorchy. A rather small settlement, this small town doesn’t boast a lot of services; however it is known as the gateway to a number of truly spectacular walking routes. Nestled at the Northern end of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, there is plenty to explore and you can choose whether you would rather do it on foot, by kayak or on horseback. Whichever means you decide upon, the air of peace and tranquillity surrounding this rustic location will leave you enraptured. For those concentrated on walking holidays, New Zealand’s arguably greatest walks are said to start off from Glenorchy, and you will see why as you tackle any of these tracks. Whether you take the Routeburn, Caples, or Greenstone trail, you will be rewarded with some of the most phenomenal scenery and finest wildlife that New Zealand has to offer.
In terms of walking holidays, New Zealand has a wealth of mountains and national parks to enjoy. However, sometimes the most memorable experiences come from exploring those smaller and better hidden parts. The quaint towns surrounding Queenstown are certainly a fantastic way to see another side of New Zealand.
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