Queenstown Holiday Tips and Ideas for Hikers
If you love hiking, you can have the adventures of a lifetime when you are on a Queenstown holiday. The local region has a lot to offer – from relaxed walks in valleys covered with vineyards to mountain tracks which require considerable effort. You will benefit greatly from planning your trips in advance. Consider practical information and advice which will help you with this.
Best Time to Visit
Summer, which is from the beginning of December to the end of February, is ideal for a Queenstown holiday for hikers. The weather is warm and sunny and the temperature does not usually go above 30 degrees Celsius. If you want somewhat cooler weather, you can also consider going on holiday in late spring or early autumn. These times are generally less busy as well.
Popular Local Tracks
You can readily pick from different tracks based on length, level of difficulty and proximity to Queenstown. Ben Lomond track starts right above town. You can access it from the Gondola. You will enjoy a one-day hike and the most spectacular views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. One thing to keep in mind is that the track is quite steep and fairly challenging. Queenstown holiday makers have to be well equipped and prepared for some serious exercise.
You can enjoy Hollyford track in Fiordland National Park on a short trip, which involves a helicopter ride, or the classic 3-day trip. The track has everything to offer from a valley with an ancient forest to high snow-capped mountains. You will meet various creatures. When you reach the sea, the local colony of fur seals will await you.
Kepler Track, which is also in Fiordland, offers some of the best mountain views in New Zealand. You will have to go up and down ridges, but the effort will be worth it when you look at the scenery below you. Routeburn track takes though two national parks – Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring. Lake Harris and Routeburn Falls are among the major attractions. The tour takes three days.
Getting Equipment
If you cannot bring your own essentials, you can readily rent or buy the items which you will need. There are several shops for outdoor sports equipment in Queenstown. You can find everything which you need from clothes to insect repellent.
Finally, you can organise a hiking trip yourself or take one of the guided tours. Compare the different options to decide which one will be best for you and enjoy your Queenstown holiday fully.