5 Easy and Scenic Walks in New Zealand: Queenstown, Wanaka & Mount Cook
Hello! I’ve been meaning to share more about my New Zealand trip here on my blog but I wasn’t quite sure where to begin as my NZ camera roll is a busy one. While I probably won’t be creating a full series of NZ posts, I’ll definitely share some more over the next few months. In the meantime, you can find more from my trip on my Instagram and TikTok.
I love nature and being outdoors, but I’m definitely not the most physically fit hiker! Whilst I did complete a couple of really tough hikes, I was pleasantly surprised to find several easy and incredibly scenic walks on my trip. If you love gentle hiking trails and beautiful landscapes, keep reading for five easy and scenic walks on New Zealand’s South Island.
Photos below - Left: Moke Lake, Right: Lake Wakatipu
Moke Lake Loop Track
The Moke Lake Loop Track felt like a hidden gem just outside of Queenstown and it felt like we had the place to ourselves for most of the walk. The landscape is SO stunning (I will definitely be saying this about all of the NZ hikes… but it truly is) and the easy 6.5km loops takes around 1.5 - 2 hours and it simply goes around the edge of the lake with the mountains reflecting in every direction. It’s also a great camping spot!
The track is mostly flat with only mild elevation changes, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who is after a relaxing stroll with stunning views. To get there, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Queenstown (note: the last part is on a gravel road, but it’s manageable).
Diamond Lake Track, Wanaka
If you’re in Wanaka and are looking for a short, scenic walk, Diamond Lake Track is the perfect option. This 3.5km loop is relatively easy and offers beautiful views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and landscapes. It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours to complete, with a gentle ascent that provides a great little workout without being too difficult. It’s also a great alternative to the much more challenging Roy’s Peak hike — you’ll still get stunning views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks, but with far less climbing and a much shorter track.
The track starts by the edge of Diamond Lake, offering gorgeous views of both the lake and the nearby mountains. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s a more challenging extension to the summit of the nearby hill, where you’re treated to a panoramic view - definitely worth the effort if you’ve got the time!
Rob Roy Glacier Walk, Wanaka
Rob Roy Glacier Track was probably in my top 3 favourite hikes from my NZ trip. It’s a 10km round trip that takes about 3-4 hours with some moderate-level elevation. The track is a bit steeper than the others listed here but it’s still relatively easy because of the huge variation on the walk, there are lots of easy parts in between the more challenging parts.
The track takes you through stunning meadows and forests, crossing rivers before reaching the viewpoint overlooking Rob Roy Glacier. The view from the top is genuinely breathtaking, with cliffs, waterfalls, and the glacier's icy blue waters in the distance. It's one of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever experienced and I loved it.
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek Car Park, approximately 1.5 hours from central Wanaka. The final 30km of the journey is on an unsealed gravel road and the last 10km is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable. Check road conditions before you leave by contacting the Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook
The other walks here are all based in Queenstown and Wanaka so if you do find yourself adventuring further out (which I would HIGHLY recommend), the Hooker Valley Track is a must. It’s a 10 km round-trip and the track is incredibly well-graded, mostly flat, and suitable for walkers of all fitness levels. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete, with beautiful views around every corner. I would note that it’s an extremely busy track so I highly recommend doing it early morning.
The walk takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, past rivers, across swing bridges, and up to the iconic view of Hooker Lake, with Mount Cook in the background. It’s a true minimal effort, maximum reward kind of walk.
We stayed near Lake Tekapo to be able to visit Mount Cook and it was approximately 1 hour drive from there - and it’s one of the most scenic (photo directly below)!
Bob’s Cove Track
Finally, for a short and scenic walk, I recommend adding Bob’s Cove Track to your list. It’s a 15-minute drive from Queenstown and takes you through native bush to reach a stunning cove on Lake Wakatipu. The track is mostly flat to start with a short and slightly steep climb up to the viewpoint. It’s only approximately 20-30 minutes to the lookout so it’s also a good one to do on a leisurely afternoon.
One of my favourite things about Bob’s Cove was the turquoise waters and there’s also a little jetty and beach area where you can stop for a picnic or a paddle on a warm day.
To summarise, here are 5 Easy and Scenic Walks in New Zealand based in Queenstown, Wanaka & Mount Cook:
Moke Lake Loop Track
Rob Roy Glacier Walk
Diamond Lake Track
Hooker Valley Track
Bob’s Cove Track
It’s also worth mentioning that you could also walk around Queenstown Gardens for an easy walk through landscaped gardens along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, just steps from the town centre. It’s perfect for your first day if you’re adjusting to the time zone or for a leisurely afternoon after a morning of hiking.
The path is flat and only takes about 30-45 minutes to walk the full loop. It’s the perfect spot for a gentle stroll after lunch or during sunset. There are also benches dotted along the way if you feel like sitting and soaking up the views. I loved how quiet it felt despite it being so close to town!
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