FIELD NOTES
Queenstown day trips
Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Lake Hayes offer three different days out from Queenstown: a lake road, a former gold-mining town and a quiet waterside walk. They suit travellers who want to explore while keeping one base.
Which day trip suits you?
Choose Glenorchy for the journey as much as the destination. Choose Arrowtown for old buildings, a little history and something warm to drink. Choose Lake Hayes when you want to walk or sit beside the water without filling a whole day with driving.
Give Glenorchy a separate outing. Arrowtown and Lake Hayes can share a day. Our Queenstown destination guide covers the town itself.
Getting there
The Glenorchy road runs along Lake Wakatipu. Destination Queenstown describes a journey of about 45 kilometres; allow roughly 45 minutes of driving in good conditions and more for stops. Our old article rounded the distance to 46 kilometres. Neither figure includes wandering around once you arrive.
Arrowtown and Lake Hayes lie closer to Queenstown. Our earlier notes put them at about twenty and fifteen minutes respectively, but traffic, your starting point and the chosen lake access make those poor appointment-time promises. Check your route on the day. For Arrowtown without a car, use the current Orbus journey information and confirm your return service.
The most useful thing we learnt on the Glenorchy drive was to swap drivers. We both wanted to look across the lake, and taking turns meant neither of us missed the whole journey. Pull into a proper stopping place for photographs. The view will still be there after you have parked.
What to do
Glenorchy Red Shed — lakefront, near the end of Mull Street
Glenorchy is small enough that you do not need an elaborate arrival plan. We went to see the red shed by the water, which felt familiar from photographs before we stood beside it. Our own photograph shows the timber building and autumn trees; leave time to look beyond the frame, too.
Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway — access from the village lakefront area
The lagoon walk is a gentle way to continue after the shed, with wetland and mountain views. Check DOC’s Glenorchy Walkway page for the route and alerts. The lagoon section can flood in heavy or prolonged rain, so a photograph of a dry boardwalk is not evidence of today’s conditions.
Our original horse-trekking and jet-boating suggestions were not first-hand reviews. The shed and a walk can fill the outing.
Arrowtown — Buckingham Street
Autumn was what made Arrowtown stand out for us. Gold and orange leaves sat around the older buildings, and we enjoyed browsing rather than following a tight route. We would still leave time for a slow main-street wander at other times of year; the leaf colour is a seasonal extra, not a condition of visiting.
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement — Bush Creek, off Buckingham Street
The partly restored settlement explains the lives of Chinese miners and business people during the gold-mining era. DOC describes the main path as suitable for wheelchairs and buggies; check access for your needs.
The river paths offer another way to extend an Arrowtown visit. Our earlier article suggested the Arrow River Trail and its bridges. Use the Queenstown Trails map to choose a section and check alerts.
Lake Hayes Walkway — access from Arrowtown Road or State Highway 6
Lake Hayes is the outing to keep simple: a walk, a picnic and time beside the water. The full circuit is about eight kilometres. Carry what you need for a proper walk, and use DOC’s access information to choose your starting point. You can also turn back earlier rather than committing to the full loop.
Calm water can reflect the surrounding hills, but wind decides whether you get that photograph. Our lakeside image records one quiet moment. Early or late light may suit photography; neither guarantees reflections. Take binoculars if watching birds appeals, and give wildlife room.
Where to eat and stay
Patagonia Chocolates — 31 Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown
Our Arrowtown stop was a rich hot chocolate at Patagonia. Its official page lists 9am–6pm daily. We would use it as a pause in the walk, rather than rushing there simply to tick off another address.
Pack a picnic for Lake Hayes and keep your Queenstown accommodation for these outings. The old “The Bakery” pie recommendation was too vague to verify.
When to go and how long to allow
Allow half a day or longer for Glenorchy once stops and a walk are included. Arrowtown can fill a relaxed half-day, and a full Lake Hayes circuit deserves more time than a quick lakeside stop. These are planning suggestions, not timed itineraries. In winter, check road conditions before leaving; in wet weather, check walkway alerts.
If you are adding a mountain day, keep it separate: our first-time snowboarding account explains why. For a different kind of city break elsewhere in New Zealand, compare our Wellington guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest day trip from Queenstown?
Arrowtown is a straightforward choice for a short outing with shops, food and history close together. Lake Hayes suits a shorter waterside stop, although walking the whole circuit takes longer.
Is Glenorchy worth the drive?
Yes, if you enjoy lake scenery and a slow outing. We liked the drive enough to swap drivers so we could both spend time looking at the view.
Can I combine Arrowtown and Lake Hayes?
Yes, they can share a day. Choose between a short lakeside stop and the full eight-kilometre circuit so you still have time to explore Arrowtown.
Can I do these trips without a car?
Arrowtown has regional bus connections, but you should check the current timetable and return service. Do not assume the same network provides a convenient Glenorchy or Lake Hayes outing.
Places and addresses
Map points show general locations; use the address and current signs for access. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
| Place | Address or access | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | Queenstown, Otago | Map |
| Glenorchy | Glenorchy, Otago | Map |
| Glenorchy Red Shed | Glenorchy lakefront, near Mull Street, Otago | Map |
| Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway | Glenorchy lakefront access, Otago | Map |
| Arrowtown | Buckingham Street area, Arrowtown, Otago | Map |
| Arrowtown Chinese Settlement | Bush Creek, off Buckingham Street, Arrowtown | Map |
| Patagonia Chocolates | 31 Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown | Map |
| Lake Hayes | Arrowtown Road or State Highway 6 access, Otago | Map |
| Arrow River Bridges Trail | Arrowtown and Arrow Junction, Otago | Map |
Details to check before travelling
- “The Bakery” could not be reliably identified from the original article; its pie recommendation is omitted.
- The original horse-trekking and jet-boating suggestions named no operators and are not first-hand reviews.
- Old fifteen- and twenty-minute driving estimates are not verified current journey times. Check roads, bus services and track alerts for your date.
About the author
Jo — Jo writes for This Uncharted World, drawing on her travels around New Zealand with Barnaby.
Put a little context into your walk.
Explore the Ultimate Christchurch Walking Tour, or read our first-afternoon guide and Arts Centre notes.